BMW’s best-known saloon enters a new era with electric power, huge range and plenty of performance, writes James Stinson
There are few cars more important to BMW than the 3 Series. More than 18 million have been sold since 1975 and, over eight generations, it has become the yardstick by which compact executive saloons are judged.
Now BMW is giving the 3 Series perhaps its biggest overhaul yet. The new car introduces the company’s Neue Klasse technology and, for the first time, buyers can have a fully electric version, although petrol hasn’t been abandoned.
Crucially, BMW hasn’t created separate-looking petrol and electric cars. They share the same basic design, complete with traditional long-bonnet saloon proportions, short overhangs and a fresh interpretation of BMW’s kidney grille.
Petrol or electric
The range initially consists of four models. Electric buyers get the i3 40 xDrive and i3 50 xDrive, while petrol customers can choose the rear-wheel-drive 320 or considerably more potent M350 xDrive. An electric i3 M60 follows in 2027.
And even the entry-level electric version is hardly slow. The i3 40 xDrive produces 369bhp and 520Nm of torque, reaching 62mph in 5.4 seconds. The i3 50 xDrive ups that to 463bhp and 645Nm, cutting the sprint to 4.7 seconds.
More impressive is the range. The i3 40 offers up to 441 miles from its 82.8kWh battery, while the 108.7kWh battery in the i3 50 stretches that to an exceptional 566 miles.
Its 800-volt electrical architecture promises seriously fast charging too. The i3 50 accepts up to 400kW and BMW says as much as 263 miles of range can be added in 10 minutes. The i3 40 charges at up to 300kW, potentially adding 209 miles over the same period. Finding a public charger capable of delivering those headline speeds will, of course, be another matter.
Petrol isn’t dead yet
Those not ready for electric power haven’t been forgotten. The 320 uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine assisted by 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. It produces 208bhp and 330Nm, taking 7.4 seconds to reach 62mph.
The M350 xDrive is the enthusiast’s option. Its 3.0-litre straight-six and mild-hybrid system produce 437bhp and 580Nm, enough for 0-62mph in just 4.1 seconds and a limited 155mph maximum.
BMW has also revised the suspension and strengthened chassis mounts, while adaptive suspension is optional. The bigger question is whether all the new technology has preserved the deft handling and driver involvement that traditionally separated the 3 Series from its rivals.
Plenty of kit
The interior gets BMW’s new Panoramic iDrive system, combining a display running across the lower edge of the windscreen with a large 17.9-inch central touchscreen.
Standard equipment is generous. The entry-level 320 gets 18-inch alloys, panoramic glass sunroof, heated electrically adjustable front seats, adaptive cruise control and lane assistance, keyless Comfort Access, rear-view camera and BMW Digital Premium.
The i3 gets much the same, although with 19-inch alloys, wireless phone charging and useful extra storage beneath the bonnet.
M Sport brings the familiar sportier styling treatment along with M Sport brakes, sports steering wheel and upgraded interior trim. M Sport Pro goes further with M Sport seats, red brake callipers, illuminated Iconic Glow grille and additional exterior detailing. The M350 xDrive additionally gets adaptive M suspension, Harman Kardon audio and three-zone climate control.
Practicality remains respectable rather than outstanding. Petrol cars have a 450-litre boot, while the i3 offers 420 litres at the rear plus another 31 litres under the bonnet.
Taking on Tesla and Mercedes
It’s a strong package, but competition has arguably never been tougher. The electric i3 must contend with everything from the Tesla Model 3 to the new Mercedes CLA, while increasingly accomplished Chinese EVs are putting pressure on Europe’s established premium manufacturers.
On paper, though, BMW has moved the goalposts again. The i3 50’s 566-mile maximum and 400kW charging are outstanding figures, while retaining petrol power means the new 3 Series isn’t forcing buyers into electric motoring before they’re ready.
There is a price for all this progress. The 320 starts at £44,975, while the electric i3 40 xDrive is £47,925 and the longer-range i3 50 xDrive £53,425. The M350 xDrive is considerably dearer at £66,785.
Electric i3 deliveries begin in autumn 2026, with the petrol cars following in January 2027. If the new 3 Series drives as impressively as its numbers suggest, BMW’s benchmark saloon may have found its place in the electric age.
