New BMW 3 Series on its way to South Africa – What to expect

BMW will launch the first fully electric 3 Series in South Africa next year, with the BMW i3 50 xDrive available from launch.

This model will be joined by additional 3 Series variants, fitted with petrol engines and 48V mild hybrid technology, including the new M350 xDrive and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model later in the year.

While pricing and local specifications will only be determined closer to the new range’s introduction, we do know the first models will arrive in South Africa in the first quarter of 2027.

“For five decades now, the BMW 3 Series has been a byword for unadulterated driving pleasure. Sporting prowess, precise handling and long-distance comfort are an integral part of its DNA,” said BMW.

“The new fully electric BMW i3 carries these attributes into the Neue Klasse age, harnessing the full potential of electric mobility in the process.”

What to expect

According to the German carmaker, the new 3 Series models blend the Neue Klasse design language with the familiar character of the sporting BMW sedan.

As a result, the only differences between the electric i3 and the internal combustion engine (ICE) variants are reflected in the drive system type at hand.

The sedan features a sporty look with a longer wheelbase, prominent flared wheel arches, a striking character line on either flank, and flush-fitting door handles that extend when the car is unlocked.

In the front of the new 3 Series models, BMW has reinterpreted the brand’s iconic “kidneys” and twin headlights, adding M Yellow Lights adopted from racing car design on the M Performance models.

When the new i3 arrives in South Africa, buyers can choose from a range of wheel options, ranging from 19 inches to 21 inches, while combustion engine models can be fitted with light-alloy wheels between 18 and 20 inches.

The entire new 3 Series range can be ordered with the optional M Sport package or M Sport package Pro, giving the cars a sportier and more dynamic appearance.

An exclusive finish – M Le Castellet Blue metallic – joins BMW’s extensive range, while a host of individual finishes will be added throughout 2027.

Inside, the range will feature a modern, driver-oriented cabin with BMW’s Panoramic Vision, 3D head-up display, central infotainment display and multifunction steering wheel.

At the heart of this setup is the 17.9-inch central screen that has been positioned on the instrument panel and angled clearly towards the driver, while the newly designed steering wheel features a central spoke in its upper section.

The large panoramic sunroof features comfort glazing, while the standard seats, featuring electric adjustment and memory function, can be swapped for multifunction seats and M Sport seats.

Buyers can also choose between four different interior designs, heated rear seats, and an alternative hi-fi and surround sound system from Harman Kardon.

All the new 3 Series models will also be offered with an extensive array of standard-fitted and optional assistance systems.

Performance

The first model to arrive in South Africa, the i3 50 xDrive, boasts an incredible system output of 345kW and 645Nm, driving all four wheels to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds.

BMW fitted the sedan with a 108.7 kWh high-voltage battery that offers a claimed maximum driving range of 912km on the widely accepted WLTP cycle.

This battery accommodates DC charging rates of up to 400kW, allowing the electric 3 Series to restore enough energy for a drive up to 423km in only ten minutes, or AC charging up to 22kW.

The BMW 320 will arrive later in the year and will feature a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine capable of producing 155kW and 330Nm, accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 240km/h and averaging a fuel consumption of 7.5l/100km.

The flagship of the range, the M350 xDrive, will feature a 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine benefiting from a 48V mild hybrid system, producing 326kW and 580Nm.

This model will sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds before reaching its electronically governed top speed of 250km/h. The M350 maintains a claimed average consumption of 8.2 l/100 km.

BMW i3 50 xDrive

BMW 320

BMW M350 xDrive