Retaining the sporty character of a typical BMW sedan, the 3 Series is more or less identical to its fully electric i3 sister model with only detail changes setting them apart. It has the same 2.5-box design with short overhangs and a long wheelbase. A set-back glass area and flared wheel arches contribute a sense of athleticism. The door handles are flushed and extend automatically when the car’s unlocked.

The front end of the new 3 Series reinterprets two iconic BMW cues: the double kidney grille and the twin headlights. Here, they’re made to merge visually into a single unit. Meanwhile, new M Yellow Lights adopted from racing car design provide a bold identifying feature for the new BMW M Performance models. At the back, the 3 Series features a horizontal light arrangement and prominent wheel arches too. The wheels available for the fully electric BMW i3 range from 19-inch to 21-inch items, while the 3 Series can be specified with 18- and 20-inch sizes.

Inside, the reduced design language of the Neue Klasse continues with its airy, modern cabin. The BMW Panoramic iDrive takes centerstage. The BMW Panoramic Vision and (optional) BMW 3D Head-Up Display project driving-relevant content into the driver’s line of sight. The 17.9-inch Central Display is positioned on the instrument panel and angled clearly towards the driver. The new steering wheel design, with a central spoke in its upper section, also makes its way onto the 3 Series. It can be optioned with a large panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon sound system, and a variety of seats including M Sport seats.

As a Neue Klasse model, the new BMW i3 (the official all-electric designation) comes with sixth-generation (Gen6) BMW eDrive technology. This comprises fundamentally new high-voltage batteries with cylindrical cells, highly efficient electric motors, 800-volt technology, and bidirectional charging functionality.

The dual motor system produces 469 horsepower and 645 Nm of torque in the BMW i3 50 xDrive. Fitted with a 108.7 kWh battery, it offers a range of up to 912 kilometers. Meanwhile, the i3 40 xDrive drops its peak figures to 374 horsepower and 520 Nm of torque. An 82.8 kWh battery helps it achieve 710 kilometers or range.

When it comes to gasoline powered version, the range starts with the 318 (yes, the ‘i’ has been dropped) wherein a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder motor produces 156 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the 320 bumps that up to 211 horsepower and 330 Nm of torque. Both use a 48-volt hybrid system with an 8-speed Steptronic automatic.

When it comes to its performance flagship, the BMW M350 xDrive takes the reins. The BMW TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 benefits from a 48-volt hybrid system complete with a crankshaft-driven starter generator. This one makes 443 horsepower and 540 Nm of torque as early as 1,980 rpm to 5,400 rpm. 0 to 100 km/h is done in 4.1 seconds.

All the new BMW 3 Series models will be offered with an extensive array of standard-fitted and optional assistance systems too. Its increased use of AI offers improved automated driving and parking features. BMW Symbiotic Drive ensures intuitive interaction between human behavior and driver assistance with the Motorway Assistant enables hands-free driving up to 130 km/h. Soon, new assistance functions will offer navigation-guided, partially automated driving in urban areas as well.

The BMW 3 Series will be built at the BMW Dingolfing – the BMW Group’s largest European manufacturing facility. The fully-electric i3, meanwhile, is built at BMW Group Plant Munich – the BMW Group’s home plant