New BMW 3 Series revealed ahead of 2027 SA launch
Eight generations in, an iconic sedan gets more power, mild hybrid technology and an electric sibling as it enters its next era.
The German marque has officially unveiled the eighth-generation 3 Series, with the initial range comprising two four-cylinder derivatives and a flagship M Performance model. The new sedan is due to arrive in South Africa in the first quarter of 2027.
At launch, the eighth-generation 3 Series will be available with two powertrain options, both incorporating 48 V mild-hybrid technology. The automaker has confirmed that a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant will be introduced to the range ‘in the coming year’.
Available in two states of tune, the first engine is a 2.0l, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit powering the 318 and 320. Spearheading the range until the full-fat M model arrives, the M350 xDrive employs a 3.0l turbocharged inline-six. All engines are paired with BMW’s Steptronic eight-speed automatic transmission.
In the 318, the 2.0l four-cylinder produces 115kW and 250N.m of torque, the latter available across a broad 1 400-4 300r/min range. The 318 dispatches the 0-100km/h dash in a claimed 9.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 215km/h. BMW claims average fuel consumption of 6.5l /100 km, which translates to a driving range of 908 km on a full 59-litre tank of unleaded.
In the 320, the four-cylinder powertrain produces 155kW and 330N.m, representing increases of 20kW and 30N.m over the outgoing 320i. The new 320 completes the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.4 seconds, BMW says, on its way to a top speed of 240 km/h. The 320’s claimed average fuel consumption matches the 318’s at 6.5l /100 km.
Spearheading the initial lineup, the M350 xDrive produces 326kW and 580N.m of torque. Compared with the outgoing M340i xDrive, this represents increases of 41 kW and 80 N.m. Equipped with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the claimed 1 860kg M Performance model completes the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.1 seconds, two-tenths of a second quicker than the M340i xDrive, before reaching an electronically governed 250km/h top speed. BMW claims fuel consumption of 7.5l/100km, translating to a driving range of 787km on a full 59l tank of fuel.
2027 BMW 3 Series: dimensions
The next generation measures 4 765mm in length and 1 850mm in width, making it 52mm longer and 23 mm wider than the seventh generation. The new model stands 1 455mm tall, 15mm more than its predecessor, while its 2 860mm wheelbase is 6mm longer.
Compared with the i3, the ICE derivatives are marginally longer, by 5 mm. However, the EV’s roofline is taller by 15mm, while its wheelbase is longer at 2 897mm.
The new 3 Series offers a claimed boot capacity of 450l, 30l less than the outgoing model. The firm has yet to reveal the i3’s boot capacity.
2027 BMW 3 Series: launch date in South Africa
The new 3 Series will launch in South Africa in the first quarter of 2027. The models confirmed for our market are the 318, 320 and M350 xDrive. The internal-combustion engine lineup will be joined by the i3 50 xDrive.
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The post 2027 BMW 3 Series revealed: South African launch date and model lineup confirmed appeared first on CAR Magazine.
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