BMW will introduce the latest generation of its 3 Series in South Africa in the first quarter of 2027, with the local range set to include the fully electric BMW i3 alongside petrol-powered mild-hybrid models.
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The new 3 Series is the latest model to adopt BMW’s Neue Klasse design and technology direction. In South Africa, the range will initially comprise the electric i3 50 xDrive, the four-cylinder BMW 320 and the six-cylinder M350 xDrive. Final local specifications will be confirmed closer to the launch.
Electric i3 leads the new generation
The BMW i3 50 xDrive will be the first fully electric 3 Series derivative available locally. It uses BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology and a new cylindrical-cell battery architecture operating on an 800V electrical system.
The i3 50 xDrive produces 345kW and 645Nm, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds. Its 108.7kWh battery provides a claimed WLTP range of up to 912km.
DC charging is supported at up to 400kW, with BMW claiming that up to 423km of range can be added in 10 minutes under suitable charging conditions. The car also supports 22kW AC charging and bidirectional charging.
A BMW i3 M60 xDrive is planned for 2027, although the company has not confirmed whether this version will be offered in South Africa.
Petrol models retain mild-hybrid power
The combustion-engined 3 Series range will include the BMW 320, powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid technology.
The 320 produces 155kW and 330Nm and can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds, with a claimed top speed of 240km/h. BMW quotes fuel consumption of 7.5l/100km.
At the top of the initial range is the M350 xDrive, which combines a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance. It produces 326kW and 580Nm, with a claimed 0–100km/h time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h.
BMW says plug-in hybrid versions will join the range over the coming year.
Neue Klasse technology comes to the 3 Series
The new 3 Series also brings BMW’s latest interior and software technology. Its dashboard is centred around the BMW Panoramic iDrive system, which combines Panoramic Vision, a 3D head-up display, a central touchscreen and a multifunction steering wheel.
The central display measures 17.9 inches, while the vehicle runs BMW Operating System X. The system is based on Android Open Source Project software and incorporates services including Amazon Alexa+ and other digital functions.
The exterior follows the Neue Klasse design language, while the new technology platform is intended to underpin both the electric and combustion-powered versions of the 3 Series.
Production of the electric i3 will take place in Munich, while combustion-engined 3 Series models will be built in Dingolfing. Components and battery production will also come from BMW’s European manufacturing network.
The South African 3 Series range is expected to arrive from the first quarter of 2027, with final specifications to be confirmed closer to the local introduction.
