BMW unveils eighth-generation 3 Series G50 starting at 49,900 euros

Pricing Structure and Powertrain Lineup

The base 318 model starts at 49,900 euros, equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo motor producing 156 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, paired with a mild-hybrid system, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive. Stepping up to the 320 model, priced from 54,900 euros, yields 211 horsepower and 330 Nm of torque, achieving a 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.4 seconds.

At the top of the initial combustion hierarchy sits the M350 xDrive, priced from 80,900 euros. This performance variant utilizes a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo motor paired with a mild-hybrid system to generate 443 horsepower and 580 Nm of torque. The M350 xDrive cuts the 0 to 100 km/h sprint to 4.1 seconds and features a dedicated Drift mode that decouples the front axle to send power exclusively to the rear wheels. WLTP fuel consumption for the performance model is logged at 8.2 liters per 100 kilometers. Production for the entire G50 generation takes place at BMW’s Dingolfing facility.

Exterior Dimensions and Chassis Engineering

Dimensionally, the G50 expands across nearly every metric compared to its predecessor. The vehicle measures 4,765 millimeters in length, 1,850 millimeters in width, and 1,455 millimeters in height, supported by a 2,860-millimeter wheelbase. While the exterior styling borrows cues from the electric i3 counterpart, the internal combustion variants feature a visibly longer hood, larger front air intakes, and distinct body proportions.

Riders will roll on wheels ranging from 18 to 20 inches, with the M350 xDrive offering optional sports tires boasting a 275 mm rear width. The mechanical foundation retains BMW’s traditional configuration featuring a double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle. Standard builds employ a steel spring setup, while adaptive and adaptive M suspension systems are available as upgrades, coming standard on the M350 xDrive.

Digital Architecture and Cabin Technology

Inside the cabin, the G50 fully embraces the Neue Klasse interior layout. The traditional iDrive rotary controller has been removed entirely in favor of the BMW Panoramic iDrive interface, which incorporates a Panoramic Vision projection, an optional 3D Head-Up display, and a massive 17.9-inch central touchscreen. Standard connectivity features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, driven by the BMW Operating System X.

Software capabilities extend to integrated BMW Maps, native applications, video streaming, and in-car gaming. Voice interactions rely on the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which integrates generative artificial intelligence and Amazon Alexa+ capabilities. Advanced driver assistance systems operate on the BMW Symbiotic Drive architecture. The Driving Assistant Plus package handles speed, distance, and lane-keeping, while Highway and Highway & City Assistant permit hands-free driving up to 130 km/h. Cargo capacity rests at 450 liters, complemented by four trim choices and optional multi-function seats featuring massage functions.

Future Powertrain Expansion and Electrification Strategy

By 2027, the lineup will expand to include a plug-in hybrid variant, projected to be the 330e delivering roughly 300 horsepower. Parallel to the combustion models, the electric i3 range will offer the 40 xDrive with 374 horsepower and the 50 xDrive with 469 horsepower, with a high-performance i3 M60 xDrive anticipated later with approximately 600 horsepower. Meanwhile, the next-generation M3 will offer buyers a choice between a twin-turbo six-cylinder engine and a fully electric configuration driven by four independent electric motors.