Introducing the 2027 BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series has stood for sporting driving pleasure since the first car left the Munich production line in 1975. This eighth-generation model takes the sharp styling and digital cabin of BMW's Neue Klasse era and brings them to a saloon. From a distance, the petrol 3 Series is almost indistinguishable from the electric BMW i3, because both share the same innovative design language.
A long wheelbase and short overhangs give the car a purposeful stance. At the front, the kidney grille and twin headlights now run together as one continuous band across the nose, and flush door handles extend automatically as the car is unlocked.
Petrol power remains the straightforward answer for long-distance motorists and for anyone without regular access to a charger. The range runs from the rear-wheel-drive 320 to the straight-six M350 xDrive. Both come with an eight-speed automatic, so there is no clutch pedal to think about.
Design and Practicality
The cabin is where the 3 Series has changed most. With so many controls moved onto the screen, the dashboard has very little left to do. Memory settings on the electric front seats put an end to the daily seat-position shuffle between drivers of different sizes. A panoramic glass roof is standard overhead.
The boot holds 450 litres, and the rear seats split 40:20:40. Folding the central section on its own lets long items run through the middle of the car while two passengers sit either side — a small detail that can make a big difference on a weekend away.
Outside, slim L-shaped rear lights extend into the rear wings, and alloy wheels range from 18 to 20 inches. Iconic Glow, an optional illuminated kidney grille, offers three configurable light animations, so the front of the car can be set up to the owner's taste.
Technology and Safety
BMW Panoramic iDrive replaces the traditional instrument cluster with Panoramic Vision, a display that runs across the base of the windscreen and keeps speed and navigation directly in the driver's line of sight. A 17.9-inch Central Display angled towards the driver carries the infotainment, and a 3D head-up display is available as an option.
The 3 Series does without the iDrive rotary controller that sat on its predecessor's centre console, leaving touch, steering wheel buttons and voice commands as the main ways to control the car.
Driving Assistant Plus is fitted as standard and includes adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance. BMW Symbiotic Drive lets the driver steer, brake or accelerate without immediately cancelling that assistance, and the safety systems step in only when they detect an unintended manoeuvre or a risk of collision.
With Motorway Assistant fitted for hands-free driving, the car suggests lane changes and a glance at the relevant door mirror is enough to confirm one. The car then makes the move itself, while the driver stays responsible throughout.
Powertrains and Performance
The 320 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 48-volt mild hybrid assistance. It produces 208bhp and 243lb ft, and reaches 0 to 62mph in 7.4 seconds. With the rear wheels doing the driving, the front wheels are left with nothing to worry about but steering.
The M350 xDrive is the flagship model. Its turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six, supported by a crankshaft-driven starter generator, delivers 437bhp and 428lb ft through xDrive all-wheel drive. The 0 to 62mph sprint time drops to 4.1 seconds. Adaptive M suspension is standard. A Drift Moment mode, added by software update, can send all the engine's power to the rear axle, making controlled slides easier.
Revised axle settings, stiffer chassis mounts and a new steering ratio sharpen the handling of both cars, and near-perfect weight distribution is retained.
Discover the 2027 BMW 3 Series at Stratstone BMW
The eighth-generation 3 Series keeps the sporting character BMW has built since 1975 and wraps it in a thoroughly modern cabin. The 320 suits everyday journeys. The M350 xDrive adds the pace of a straight-six. Both come with the same panoramic display and driver assistance, so the choice comes down to how much performance you want.
If you are interested in experiencing the new BMW 3 Series, please get in touch with your nearest Stratsone BMW retailer and our team will arrange an appointment once the model officially launches.
