All-new BMW 3 Series Debuts

The BMW 3 Series has been a firm favourite of the South African market since the second-generation (E30) made its debut here over 40 years ago. The latest version, dubbed G50, will go on sale in Msanzi early next year. More info lower down this post. The latest 3 Series, unlike some of predecessors which were made locally, will be sourced from a single plant in Dingolfing, Germany.

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All-new appearance

Biggest news for many will be the completely new appearance that company designers have adopted. Previous generations of 3 Series have tended to be subtle evolutions of that which came before. However, the G50 takes its cues from other Neue Klasse models, such as the BMW iX3 which we recently drove as well as the upcoming BMW X5.

The new look features a more modernised take on the company’s signature dual ‘kidney grilles’ as well as a sharper motif for the twin headlamps. Buyers can opt for the optional Iconic Glow illuminated kidney grille surround to really stand out at night. The overall appearance is one of muscularity with short overhangs on both ends. The crisp front end is complemented by square-ish haunches and a taillamp design that stretches almost across the width of the rear.

The new appearance comes with dimensions. Overall length is 4 765 mm with an increase in the wheelbase, taking the figure up to 2 860 mm. That figure will mean more legroom for front- and rear-seat passengers. The longer wheelbase works in conjunction with wider front and rear tracks for more surefooted handling. Speaking of…

Under the skin

Under the skin you will find a full independent suspension system. The front wheels used BMW’s complicated take on a double wishbone set-up with the rear using a five-link arrangement. Alloy wheel options range from 18 to 20 inches depending on the variant, and one’s choices take from the options list. Buyers looking for increased sporting ability and maximum comfort of their ICE BMW 3 Series can specify optional adaptive suspension or adaptive M suspension. Adaptive M suspension comes as standard on the BMW M350 xDrive and is available as an option for the all-wheel-drive BMW i3.

The new BMW M350 xDrive also has a new feature called ‘Drift Moment’. The new trick, which is activated via the infotainment screen, directs all the engine’s power to the rear wheels only. This will allow tail-out antics from the performance sedan, though it does seem that some planning will be required, rather than a good ol’ clutch kick.

Latest Tech

The cabin treatment matches the exterior sense of modernity. BMW’s latest dashboard-wide ‘panoramic iDrive’ display takes station at the base of the windscreen. We’ve experience the similar system on the latest iX3 and find it quite intuitive. Thanks to the company’s latest operating system, one can choose what you would like displayed in different areas. Of course, the new 3 Series had to have a snazzy touchscreen infotainment system. In this case a 17,9-inch system

SA Intro Date and Range

The local BMW 3 Series line-up will go on sale locally in the first quarter of 2027. Two ICE derivatives feature mild-hybridisation ie an electric motor helps boost power of the turbopetrol enginges. The range opener keeps its tradition rear-wheel drive layout, while xDrive versions send power to all four wheels. The sole EV of the range (for now) has one motor per axle. Petrol versions will be fitted exclusively with eight-speed automatic transmissions. The range, at time of introduction, is as follows.

Variant	Engine	Power/Torque	0-100 km/h	Top speed
320	2,0-litre turbopetrol + hybrid	155 kW/330 N.m	7,4 sec	240 km/h
M350 xDrive	3,0-litre turbopetrol + hybrid	326 kW/580 N.m	4,1 sec	250 km/h
I3 50 xDrive	2x electric motors	345 kW/645 N.m	4,7 sec	200 km/h