BMW introduces all-new 3 Series, fully-electric i3

MANILA: BMW has launched the all-new 3 Series, and for the first time ever, it now has fully electric powertrain options through the all-new i3 nameplate. 

This was made possible because the latest iteration of the Bavarian sedan now uses the Neue Klasse next-generation vehicle architecture and the electric vehicle (EV) modular platform.

On the other hand, the all-new BMW 3 Series is still offered with internal combustion engines (ICE) with or without a mild hybrid system. It was likewise launched with an M Performance variant, which stands as its top-spec trim. 

So, what is the all-new BMW 3 Series offering?

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Vehicle Specifications

Concerning powertrains, the all-electric 3 Series, which is sold as the i3, uses the sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology. This powertrain system consists of two (front and rear axle) electric motors paired with a high-voltage battery. 

In its most powerful version (50 xDrive), the BMW i3 can produce up to 469 horsepower (hp) and 645 Newton-meters (Nm). This trim also comes with a 108.7 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery, which can provide up to 912 kilometers (km) of range, according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP).

Notably, BMW promises that a more powerful version of the i3, designated as the M60 xDrive M Performance, will be launched sometime in 2027.  

The top-of-the-line ICE version of the BMW 3 Series, on the other hand, is the M350 xDrive. It packs a TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-six gasoline engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. According to the German marque, this powertrain can put out up to 443 hp, although no torque figures were provided just yet.  

As standard, a gasoline-powered BMW M350 xDrive comes with the Adaptive M Suspension system. This component is also offered as an option for the dual-motor BMW i3. 

Appearance-wise, the newly debuted BMW 3 Series and i3 wear a rather muscular take on the sedan formula. This goes together with a bold new “kidney grille” design similar to the one found on the Neue Klasse SAV concept vehicle. 

Specifically, the 3 Series and i3’s sharp LED headlamps are integrated together with their kidney grilles. This is topped by a sculpted bonnet and is framed from below by a large air intake for both the ICE and all-electric models. 

From the side, the all-new 3 Series and i3 come with bulging wheel arches, flush door handles, and plenty of deep-cut character lines. The rear of the model, meanwhile, comes with eye-catching horizontal LED taillights and a prominent rear diffuser. 

Depending on the variant, the 3 Series gets up to 20-inch wheels, while the i3 can get up to 21-inch wheels. 

Inside the BMW 3 Series and i3 is a driver-centric cockpit headlined by the German carmaker’s Panoramic iDrive suite. This consists of a 3D head-up display, a newly designed steering wheel, a panoramic digital display bar that functions as the digital gauge, and a 17.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. 

Other notable interior features of the 3 Series and i3 include, but are not limited to: 

• Automatic climate controls
• Panoramic sunroof
• M Sport seats (optional)
• Rear seat heating (optional)
• Harman Kardon surround sound system

The infotainment system mentioned above is powered by the BMW Operating System X. It comes with an integrated voice-activated assistant via Amazon Alexa+, a vehicle security assistant, smartphone connectivity, and over-the-air updates - among others. 

Regarding safety gear, BMW says both the 3 Series and i3 are equipped with SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Level 2 driver assistance systems. No specific advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) were listed, but according to SAE, this level means it gets lane centering/assist, adaptive cruise control, as well as semi-autonomous driving. 

Availability

The start of the global rollout of the all-new BMW 3 Series and i3 is said to commence either late 2026 or early 2027. 

There’s no word yet as to when these new models will reach the Philippine market, so for now, let us wait for updates.

Also read:

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BMW Excellence Club established for 7 Series, i7, X7, XM owners in PH

BMW PH expands lineup with X3 30e xDrive xLine PHEV

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