2027 BMW 3 Series Revealed With Neue Klasse Design and 437 HP M350 xDrive
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BMW has revealed the eighth generation of the 3 Series, and this is a much bigger change than a normal redesign. The 2027 BMW 3 Series brings the brand’s Neue Klasse design language to its gas powered sports sedan while keeping some of the details that made the 3 Series familiar for decades.
The new G50 generation gets a sharper exterior, a completely updated cabin, new digital technology and revised chassis hardware. BMW will offer the 330 and 330 xDrive with a 255 hp turbocharged four cylinder, while the range topping M350 xDrive gets a 437 hp turbocharged 3.0 liter inline six.
BMW says production will begin in the first quarter of 2027, with U.S. sales following shortly afterward.
2027 BMW 3 Series Design Moves Into the Neue Klasse Era
The 3 Series has gone through seven generations during its roughly half century history. The eighth generation takes a very different approach, but BMW says it did not want to completely abandon the model’s past.
The design comes from BMW design chief Adrian van Hooydonk and focuses on finding a balance between BMW’s history and what the company believes its cars should look like in the future.
That gives the 2027 BMW 3 Series a much cleaner appearance than the outgoing model.
The front end features narrow kidney grilles, new hash mark lighting elements and a shark nose design. The short overhangs and simplified side profile also give the sedan a more compact visual appearance.
There are some deliberate links to older BMWs as well. The shark nose recalls the E24 6 Series from the 1970s and 1980s, while the overall proportions have some similarities to the classic BMW 2002.
It is a very different direction from the larger kidney grille approach BMW used on several recent models.
2027 BMW 3 Series Gets a New Interior
The same past meets future approach continues inside the cabin.
The biggest change is BMW’s Panoramic Vision digital display. It projects important driving information onto a thin display strip stretching across the dashboard at the base of the windshield.
A large 17.9 inch touchscreen sits in the center of the dashboard and is angled toward the driver.
That combination gives the cabin a much more modern appearance, although BMW has retained some familiar design cues from earlier 3 Series models.
The contrast is quite interesting. The technology belongs firmly in the future, while the driver focused dashboard layout still carries some of the character associated with older BMW sedans.
Gas Powered 3 Series Uses an Updated CLAR II Platform
The gas powered 2027 BMW 3 Series does not use the same platform as the upcoming electric i3.
The battery electric i3 uses BMW’s NCAR platform, which was developed around the company’s sixth generation battery technology and 800 volt electrical architecture.
The gasoline powered 3 Series instead uses a heavily upgraded version of the CLAR II platform. The same basic architecture is also used by models including the BMW X3 and M5.
BMW has made several chassis changes for the new 3 Series.
These include:
- A quicker steering ratio
- Wider front and rear tracks
- Chassis improvements over the previous generation
- Adaptive dampers on the M350 xDrive
- An electronically controlled limited slip differential on the M350 xDrive
These changes are important because the 3 Series has always been closely associated with driving dynamics, not just luxury and technology.
2027 BMW 330 and 330 xDrive Get 255 HP
The entry level versions of the new 3 Series will be the 330 and 330 xDrive.
Both use a turbocharged inline four cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower.
The 330 provides a more accessible way into the new generation, while the 330 xDrive adds BMW’s all wheel drive system.
BMW has not yet announced official U.S. pricing, but the entry level 3 Series is expected to start slightly above $50,000.
2027 BMW M350 xDrive Produces 437 HP
The more interesting model is the new BMW M350 xDrive.
It replaces the outgoing M340i xDrive and gets a considerably more powerful version of BMW’s B58 3.0 liter turbocharged inline six.
The engine works with a 48 volt hybrid system. The electric motor inside the eight speed automatic transmission can contribute up to 17 horsepower.
Combined output reaches 437 horsepower.
That is 51 horsepower more than the outgoing M340i.
BMW has also given the M350 xDrive a more aggressive appearance. The car gets muscular bodywork and distinctive yellow daytime running lights.
The standard equipment includes adaptive dampers and an electronically controlled limited slip differential.
BMW M350 xDrive Gets a Drift Mode
There is an interesting twist to the M350 xDrive’s all wheel drive setup.
Although the car comes exclusively with all wheel drive, BMW says drivers can activate its Drift Moment feature.
The system can decouple the front axle and allow the car to behave like a rear wheel drive vehicle.
So yes, the new M350 xDrive can still send the rear end sideways when the driver wants to have some fun.
That is quite a different interpretation of an all wheel drive sports sedan.
2027 BMW M350 xDrive Acceleration
The extra power also brings a small but meaningful improvement in acceleration.
BMW claims the M350 xDrive can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.
For context, the previous M340i xDrive tested by Car and Driver reached 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.
The new M350 therefore has the power to put its performance credentials ahead of the outgoing model.
BMW is also preparing a new M3, but buyers looking for the next full M car will have to wait longer. BMW plans to offer the next M3 with both internal combustion and battery electric powertrains.
2027 BMW 3 Series Price and Release Date
BMW has not announced official pricing for the 2027 3 Series yet.
Current expectations put the entry level four cylinder model slightly above $50,000.
The higher performance M350 xDrive is expected to fall somewhere in the $60,000 to $70,000 range.
BMW plans to begin production in the first quarter of 2027, with U.S. sales expected to begin shortly afterward.
Expected 2027 BMW 3 Series lineup
| Model | Engine | Power | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 330 | Turbocharged inline four | 255 hp | Rear wheel drive |
| 330 xDrive | Turbocharged inline four | 255 hp | All wheel drive |
| M350 xDrive | 3.0 liter turbocharged inline six with 48V hybrid | 437 hp | All wheel drive with Drift Moment |
Official pricing and some specifications have not yet been announced by BMW.
The 2027 BMW 3 Series Is a Major Design Change
The new 3 Series represents a significant change for BMW’s most recognizable sports sedan.
It brings the Neue Klasse design language to the gasoline powered 3 Series, but BMW has avoided making the car completely disconnected from its history. The narrow grilles, shark nose and proportions provide some links to older BMW models, while the Panoramic Vision display and large central touchscreen move the cabin into a much more digital era.
The M350 xDrive is also a substantial step up from the outgoing M340i xDrive, with 437 horsepower, a 3.6 second claimed 0 to 60 mph time and a system that can disconnect the front axle for rear drive fun.
Official pricing will tell us how much BMW wants customers to pay for this new generation. For now, the eighth generation 3 Series looks like BMW’s attempt to move one of its most important nameplates into the future without completely forgetting why the car became famous in the first place.
Sources & References
Official Sources
- BMW PressClub USA
BMW PressClub USA: The New BMW 3 Series
Official BMW announcement covering the eighth generation 3 Series, M350 xDrive, 437 hp output, pricing, technology and launch details. - BMW USA
BMW USA: 3 Series Sedan
BMW’s US model page with specifications, features, performance information and US market details. - BMW PressClub Canada
BMW PressClub Canada: The New BMW 3 Series
Useful for Canadian readers, including Canadian performance figures and BMW’s official launch information.
Independent Automotive Sources
- Car and Driver
Car and Driver: 2027 BMW 3 Series Revealed
Detailed independent coverage of the new 3 Series design, engines, technology and M350 xDrive. - Car and Driver: 2027 BMW 3 Series Review
Car and Driver: BMW 3 Series 2027
Useful for additional specifications, performance information and future testing coverage. - Autoblog
Autoblog: New BMW 3 Series Debuts With 437 HP Straight Six
Independent coverage focused on the new M350 xDrive and its 437 hp inline six engine. - BMWBLOG
BMWBLOG: 2027 BMW 3 Series Revealed
BMW focused publication covering the G50 3 Series design, dimensions, interior and M350 xDrive details. - CarBuzz
CarBuzz: 2027 BMW 3 Series Revealed
Independent coverage focusing on the Neue Klasse styling, technology and 437 hp M350 xDrive.
2027 BMW 3 Series FAQ
Here are the key questions about the eighth generation 2027 BMW 3 Series, including its Neue Klasse design, engines, M350 xDrive performance, interior technology and launch timing.
What is new about the 2027 BMW 3 Series?
The 2027 BMW 3 Series enters its eighth generation with BMW's Neue Klasse design language. It gets a redesigned exterior, a new interior with Panoramic Vision technology, a 17.9 inch central touchscreen and an upgraded CLAR II platform. The lineup also includes the new 437 horsepower M350 xDrive.
What engine does the 2027 BMW 3 Series use?
The 330 and 330 xDrive use a turbocharged inline four cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower. The M350 xDrive uses a turbocharged 3.0 liter inline six from BMW's B58 family, combined with a 48 volt hybrid system, for a total output of 437 horsepower.
How much horsepower does the BMW M350 xDrive have?
The 2027 BMW M350 xDrive produces 437 horsepower. The 3.0 liter turbocharged inline six is supported by a 48 volt hybrid system, with the electric motor inside the eight speed automatic transmission contributing up to 17 horsepower.
Does the 2027 BMW M350 xDrive have all wheel drive?
Yes. The BMW M350 xDrive comes exclusively with all wheel drive. It also has a Drift Moment feature that can decouple the front axle, allowing the car to provide a rear wheel drive style driving experience.
How fast is the 2027 BMW M350 xDrive from 0 to 60 mph?
BMW claims that the 2027 M350 xDrive can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. The previous M340i xDrive tested by Car and Driver reached 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.
What technology does the 2027 BMW 3 Series have inside?
The new 3 Series introduces BMW's Panoramic Vision digital display, which stretches across the dashboard at the base of the windshield. A 17.9 inch touchscreen is positioned in the center of the dashboard and angled toward the driver.
What platform does the gas powered 2027 BMW 3 Series use?
The gasoline powered 2027 BMW 3 Series uses a heavily upgraded version of BMW's CLAR II platform. BMW says the updated chassis gets a quicker steering ratio and wider front and rear tracks. The platform is also used by models such as the BMW X3 and BMW M5.
When will the 2027 BMW 3 Series go on sale in the US?
BMW plans to begin production of the 2027 3 Series in the first quarter of 2027. US sales are expected to begin shortly afterward. BMW has not yet announced final pricing for every version of the new 3 Series.
