New 2027 BMW 3 Series Revealed

BMW has officially introduced the redesigned 2027 BMW 3 Series, and this generation represents one of the biggest changes to the sports sedan in years. The familiar formula of a compact luxury sedan with rear wheel drive roots remains, but nearly everything surrounding it has been updated. The new 3 Series adopts BMW’s Neue Klasse inspired design, introduces a completely redesigned digital interior, and brings significantly more performance to the M Performance model.

For the United States, the lineup will initially include the 330, 330 xDrive, and M350 xDrive. BMW has removed the familiar “i” from the gasoline powered model names, helping create a clearer distinction between the combustion engine 3 Series and the electric BMW i3.

The 330 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound feet of torque. Buyers can choose rear wheel drive or the xDrive all wheel drive system, while an 8 speed Steptronic automatic transmission handles gear changes.

The biggest performance story is the new M350 xDrive. BMW gives it a 3.0 liter inline 6 cylinder engine producing 437 horsepower and 428 pound feet of torque, making it the most powerful M Performance 3 Series yet. BMW says the M350 xDrive can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in only 3.9 seconds.

For comparison, the 330 and 330 xDrive require approximately 5.9 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour. Top speed can reach 155 miles per hour.

The M350 xDrive also introduces one of the most interesting features BMW has offered on an M Performance model. It is called Drift Moment.

The system is designed to temporarily remove power from the front wheels, allowing the M350 xDrive to behave more like a rear wheel drive performance car when the driver wants to slide the car. This gives enthusiasts another way to experience the chassis beyond the security and traction normally associated with xDrive.

Drift Moment will not be available when the M350 xDrive first reaches customers. BMW plans to activate the feature through a software update sometime in 2027. That means an important performance capability of the car can effectively be added after delivery.

The exterior is equally significant because the new 3 Series moves into BMW’s Neue Klasse design era. Its overall appearance shares obvious similarities with the electric i3, but BMW has given the gasoline powered sedan several identifying features.

Up front, there is a functional grille, while optional yellow M lighting elements can give the headlights a more aggressive appearance. Flush door handles help clean up the side profile, and buyers can select standard 19 inch wheels or optional 20 inch wheels.

The rear closely follows BMW’s latest Neue Klasse styling direction, particularly in the shape and presentation of the taillights. The M350 xDrive adds several visual clues that separate it from the regular 330, including black exterior details, a rear spoiler, and 4 exhaust outlets.

The available M Sport equipment goes further with unique bumpers, side skirts, and blue M Sport brakes.

Inside, BMW has moved the 3 Series much deeper into the digital era.

The centerpiece is BMW’s latest iDrive technology. Panoramic iDrive places driving information across the lower section of the windshield area, allowing important information to remain within the driver’s natural field of view.

A large 17.9 inch trapezoidal central display handles many of the vehicle’s functions. BMW is also incorporating an artificial intelligence powered assistant using Amazon Alexa technology.

Unlike some of BMW’s larger luxury models, the new 3 Series does not offer a separate passenger display. Instead, the dashboard maintains a relatively clean appearance centered around the panoramic information system and main touchscreen.

My Modes allows occupants to personalize elements such as interior lighting and display settings. When the vehicle is parked, occupants can also use a TiVo powered video application to stream television programs and movies through the infotainment system.

BMW’s unusual new central spoke steering wheel also makes its way into the 3 Series. It includes haptic controls, while M Performance versions receive their own steering wheel with controls for M Mode and Boost functions. A head up display will also be available.

Pricing begins at $49,900 including destination for the 2027 BMW 330. Moving to the 330 xDrive raises the starting price to $51,900.

The performance focused M350 xDrive begins at $65,900.

For buyers considering BMW’s electric alternative, the 2027 BMW i3 50 starts at $61,500. Reservations for the electric i3 open on September 29.

The gasoline powered 2027 BMW 3 Series is expected to arrive in early 2027.

With 437 horsepower, a 3.9 second sprint to 60 miles per hour, a dramatically redesigned cabin, Neue Klasse styling, and a factory developed drift function arriving through software, the M350 xDrive shows how much BMW is changing the definition of an M Performance 3 Series.

At the same time, BMW has not completely abandoned what made the 3 Series successful. Buyers can still choose a rear wheel drive 330, while those looking for significantly more performance now have an M350 xDrive capable of acceleration that would have been associated with full M cars not very long ago.

The result is a 3 Series that looks toward BMW’s electric and digital future while keeping a combustion engine option alive for drivers who still want the character of a traditional BMW sports sedan.