BMW Unveils New 3 Series Sedan, Retaining Gasoline Engines

BMW has revealed the eighth generation of its iconic 3 Series sedan, emphasizing its continued commitment to gasoline engines alongside its electric initiatives. The new model, internally codenamed G50, sees moderate dimensional increases over its predecessor, measuring 4.76 meters long, 1.85 meters wide, and 1.45 meters high, with a wheelbase of 2.86 meters. The trunk capacity is 450 liters, a decrease of 30 liters.

The interior adopts BMW's latest design language, featuring a large 17.9-inch infotainment screen, a digital instrument cluster with customizable displays, and a head-up display with augmented reality. The new steering wheel has vertical spokes. Both the new 3 Series and the electric i3 are expected to arrive in Israel in the first quarter of 2027.

Initially, the new 3 Series will be offered with three micro-hybrid 48-volt gasoline powertrains. The entry-level 318 uses a 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 156 horsepower, reaching 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 215 km/h. The 320 model features a similar 2.0-liter engine but with 211 horsepower, accelerating to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds with a top speed of 240 km/h. Both 2.0-liter variants achieve 13.3 km per liter fuel consumption. Plug-in hybrid versions are planned for the future.

The M350 xDrive variant is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine, also with micro-hybrid assistance, delivering 443 horsepower and 59.1 kgfm of torque. This power is sent to all wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. It accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, with a top speed limited to 250 km/h and fuel consumption of 12.2 km per liter. This model includes smart all-wheel drive and a Drift Mode that can send 100% of power to the rear axle, with an over-the-air update for the drift mode planned for next year. This new M350 is 69 horsepower stronger and 0.3 seconds quicker to 100 km/h than the outgoing M340.