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Published 02 Oct 2026
BMW Unveils the All‑New 3 Series
BMW has revealed the next-generation 3 Series, bringing major advancements in design, technology, and electrification. For the first time, the iconic sedan will be available as the fully electric BMW i3, built on BMW's Neue Klasse platform, alongside petrol-powered and mild-hybrid variants.
The new model features a modern exterior design with BMW's latest styling language, flush door handles, redesigned kidney grilles, and a tech-focused interior centred around the new BMW Panoramic iDrive system and a 17.9-inch central display.
Leading the local electric range is the BMW i3 50 xDrive, producing 345 kW and 645 Nm, with a claimed driving range of up to 912 km and charging speeds of up to 400 kW. BMW says just 10 minutes of charging can add up to 423 km of range.
Performance enthusiasts will be excited by the new BMW M350 xDrive, which delivers 326 kW from its six-cylinder turbocharged engine with 48V mild-hybrid technology, accelerating from 0‑100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds.
South African customers can expect the new BMW 3 Series lineup, including the BMW 320, BMW M350 xDrive, and BMW i3 50 xDrive, to arrive from the first quarter of 2027.
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