2027 BMW 320 First Look at the New Generation

The 2027 BMW 320 is one of the most important versions of the completely redesigned 3 Series, especially for buyers outside the United States. While much of the attention surrounding the new generation has focused on the powerful M350, the 320 represents a more accessible way into BMW’s newest sports sedan while still receiving the dramatic new design, updated technology, and electrified gasoline powertrain.

The new 320 is part of the G50 generation of the BMW 3 Series. Although its appearance is heavily influenced by BMW’s Neue Klasse design language, the gasoline powered 3 Series does not use the same dedicated electric platform as the new BMW i3. Instead, the 320 is based on an updated version of BMW’s Cluster Architecture, allowing it to retain a traditional front engine layout while introducing many of the styling and technology ideas seen on BMW’s latest electric vehicles.

Under the hood is an updated 2.0 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder gasoline engine. The engine works with a 48 volt mild hybrid system that includes a belt driven starter generator. The gasoline engine produces 211 metric horsepower and 330 Newton meters of torque, which works out to approximately 208 horsepower and 243 pound feet of torque. The mild hybrid starter generator can provide additional assistance during acceleration while also helping improve smoothness and efficiency.

That represents a noticeable improvement over the previous 320. Output has increased by 27 metric horsepower while torque rises by 30 Newton meters. Maximum power is available between 4,900 and 6,500 revolutions per minute, while maximum torque arrives much earlier, between 1,500 and 4,400 revolutions per minute. That broad torque range should make the 320 feel responsive during normal driving without requiring drivers to constantly push the engine toward the top of its rev range.

Power is delivered through an 8 speed automatic transmission. The 2027 BMW 320 can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in approximately 7.4 seconds. It is clearly positioned below the much more powerful M350, but outright acceleration is not really the point of this model. The 320 is designed to provide a balance between performance, efficiency, comfort, and everyday usability.

BMW has also made substantial changes underneath the new 3 Series. The redesigned chassis receives revised steering, updated suspension geometry, new chassis mounting points, and frequency selective dampers. The front suspension uses double jointed MacPherson struts, while a 5 link arrangement remains at the rear. BMW has also introduced a brake by wire system. Together, these changes are intended to sharpen steering response while maintaining the comfortable ride expected from a modern 3 Series.

Visually, the 320 looks dramatically different from the outgoing generation. The front adopts BMW’s newest interpretation of the kidney grille, surrounded by slim lighting elements and cleaner body surfaces. The hood remains relatively long, giving the gasoline powered car more traditional BMW proportions than the electric i3.

Flush door handles help clean up the side profile, while the rear uses slim L shaped taillights that closely connect the 320 with BMW’s latest design direction. Depending on specification and market, the new 3 Series can be equipped with wheels ranging from 18 to 20 inches.

The dimensions have grown as well. The new 3 Series measures approximately 4,765 millimeters long, 1,850 millimeters wide, and 1,455 millimeters tall, with a 2,860 millimeter wheelbase. The larger footprint gives the car a stronger stance while retaining the proportions traditionally associated with the 3 Series.

Inside, the transformation is arguably even bigger. The 320 receives BMW Panoramic iDrive, including a display stretching across the lower portion of the windshield. A large 17.9 inch central touchscreen handles infotainment functions and runs BMW Operating System X.

The cabin also introduces BMW’s unusual new central spoke steering wheel design, while an M Sport steering wheel is available depending on configuration. Available technology includes a head up display, upgraded voice control with Amazon Alexa integration, wireless smartphone charging, and video streaming functionality that can be used while the vehicle is parked.

BMW has also reduced the number of traditional physical controls. Many vehicle and climate functions are now integrated into the central display, giving the dashboard a much cleaner appearance than the previous generation.

Despite all the technology, the 320 remains an important model because of what it represents. It combines BMW’s traditional turbocharged gasoline engine formula with mild hybrid assistance and the company’s newest digital technology without moving completely to battery electric propulsion.

There is also an important distinction for buyers in the United States. The 320 is currently positioned as a global market model rather than part of the announced United States launch range. American buyers are instead expected to receive the more powerful 330 and 330 xDrive alongside the M350 xDrive.

For markets that do receive it, however, the 2027 BMW 320 could become one of the volume models of the new generation. With approximately 208 horsepower, 243 pound feet of torque, mild hybrid assistance, an entirely redesigned cabin, and the newest BMW styling, the 320 offers most of the new 3 Series experience without stepping up to the significantly more powerful and expensive performance versions.