BMW has revealed the eighth-generation 3 Series, codenamed G50. The new sedan continues to use the CLAR platform but adopts the company’s latest Neue Klasse design language. BMW has currently detailed three petrol variants: the 318, 320 and M350 xDrive. Production will begin in November 2026, while global deliveries are scheduled to start from early 2027.
Three Petrol Engines & New M350
The 318 and 320 use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct-injection turbo-petrol engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The 318 produces 156 HP and 250 NM, while the 320 develops 211 HP and 330 NM. Both variants use an 8-speed torque-converter automatic and rear-wheel drive. The 318 claims a 0–100 KM/H time of 9.5 seconds, while the 320 completes the sprint in 7.4 seconds.
The range-topping M350 xDrive replaces the M340i xDrive. It retains the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six but now produces 426 HP and 540 NM. That represents an increase of 52 HP and 40 NM over the outgoing M340i. The M350 also gets a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and an 8-speed automatic. However, BMW sends its power to all four wheels through the xDrive system. As a result, the M350 claims a 0–100 KM/H time of 4.1 seconds and a 250 KM/H top speed.
BMW has not yet confirmed whether the G50 will receive a diesel engine. The company has, however, confirmed a plug-in hybrid variant for the coming year.
Neue Klasse-Inspired Exterior
The G50 measures 4,765mm long, 1,850mm wide and 1,455mm tall, with a 2,860mm wheelbase. Therefore, the new 3 Series is longer and wider than the outgoing G20. Its styling closely follows the electric i3, with a traditional three-box sedan silhouette combined with Neue Klasse design elements. These include flush-fitting door handles, clean body surfaces, wraparound LED tail-lamps and blacked-out front sections.
The 318 and 320 get 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, while the M350 uses 19-inch wheels. In addition, the M350 receives quad exhausts, M-specific badging, black alloy wheels, a lip spoiler and distinctive yellow DRLs.
i3-Inspired Cabin & Technology
The interior also shares several elements with the i3. A 17.9-inch rhomboidal infotainment touchscreen sits alongside BMW’s pillar-to-pillar Panoramic Vision display. The cabin also gets a four-spoke steering wheel and a cylindrical drive selector. Meanwhile, the M350 adds an M-specific steering wheel, M graphics and a black interior theme.
Other equipment includes configurable ambient lighting, Amazon Alexa+ AI integration, powered and heated front seats, Level 2 ADAS, automatic parking assistance and dual-zone climate control. A panoramic sunroof and connected-car technology are also available. Boot space stands at 450 litres.
Production & India Launch
BMW will begin G50 3 Series production at its Dingolfing plant in Germany in November 2026. Global market launches will follow from early 2027. BMW has not yet confirmed the India launch timeline. However, the new-generation sedan is expected to reach the Indian market.
BMW could also consider a long-wheelbase version for India. The company already offers several long-wheelbase models in the country and has revealed a long-wheelbase i3 for China. However, BMW has not confirmed an equivalent G50 3 Series derivative for India.
Verdict
The eighth-generation 3 Series combines BMW’s established CLAR platform with the company’s newer Neue Klasse design approach. The range now includes mild-hybrid petrol engines, while the M350 gains higher outputs over the outgoing M340i. At the same time, the cabin adopts BMW’s latest display and software technology. More details on the diesel and plug-in hybrid versions, along with the India launch, should emerge closer to its global rollout.
