- Redesigned BMW 3 Series currently testing with gas and electric powertrains
- The electric variant will use the special Neue Klasse EV platform
- The gas variant will use an updated version of the current 3 Series CLAR platform
BMW has been spotted testing a prototype for the next 3-Series sedan for the first time.
The current 3 Series, the seventh generation of the nameplate, arrived for the 2019 model year and received a first update for 2023 and a second update for 2025.
Spy shots 2027 BMW 3 Series – Photo via Baldauf
The redesigned eighth-generation 3 Series is expected to debut in late 2026 or early next year, meaning we’ll likely see it arrive in the US as a 2027 model. The arrival of an electric variant will be several months behind the arrival of an electric variant, with the electric variant expected to be called the i3. Prototypes for the i3 are also being tested to the public.
The i3 will run on BMWs New class EV platform which will debut next year in a compact iX3 crossover that is part of the X3 family. Likewise, the i3 will be part of the 3 Series family.
Spy shots 2027 BMW 3 Series – Photo via Baldauf
The gas-powered 3 Series will use an updated version of the 3 Series current CLAR platform of the 3 Series designed for cars with gas and hybrid powertrains. Expect the turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines to be carried over from the current model, possibly with changes to meet stricter emissions regulations. A plug-in hybrid option will also be offered, as part of BMW’s plan to give customers their powertrain choice.
The electric and petrol-powered sedans will have similar styling, but there will be differences in proportions to reflect the different powertrains, BMW Group design chief Adrian van Hooydonk revealed in an interview last month. Last year a preview of the new look was given with the Vision Neue Klasse concept.
BMW Vision New Class concept
There is no clear picture of the interior, but it is expected that BMW’s next generation of interiors will feature user interfaces rely on head-up displays and make more use of the steering wheel controls. The user interface, already seen in a number of recent Neue Klasse concepts, is expected to include a head-up display for important driving information and another for the infotainment system.
There are also powerful BMW M versions of both the petrol-powered 3-Series and the electric i3 in the pipeline. The latter is expected to have a four-motor drivetrain that delivers more than 1,000 hp. M engineers have been testing the powertrain on public roads since at least 2022.