- Redesigned BMW 3-Series currently testing with gas and electric powertrains
- Electric variant will use Neue Klasse dedicated EV platform
- Gas variant will use updated version of 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 was given an initial update for 2023 and a second update for 2025.
2027 BMW 3-Series spy shots – Photo via Baldauf
The redesigned eighth-generation 3-Series is expected to debut in late 2026 or early the following year, meaning we’ll likely see it arrive as a 2027 model in the U.S. It will trail the arrival of an electric variant by several months, with the electric variant expected to be badged an i3. Prototypes for the i3 are also out testing in public view.
The i3 will ride on BMW’s Neue Klasse EV platform that debuts next year in an iX3 compact crossover forming part of the X3 family. Similarly, the i3 will form part of the 3-Series family.
2027 BMW 3-Series spy shots – Photo via Baldauf
The gas-powered 3-Series will use an updated version of the current 3-Series’ CLAR platform designed for cars with gas and hybrid powertrains. Expect the current model’s turbocharged 4- and 6-cylinder engines to carry over, possibly with changes to meet strictier emissions rules. A plug-in hybrid option will also be offered, as part of BMW’s plan to offer customers their choice of powertrain.
The electric and gas-powered sedans will feature 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. The new look was previewed last year with the Vision Neue Klasse concept.
BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept
There’s no clear shot of the interior, but BMW’s next-generation interiors are expected to feature user interfaces that rely on head-up displays and make greater use of controls on the steering wheel. Already previewed in some of the recent Neue Klasse concepts, the user interface is expected to feature one head-up display to present important driving information and another for the infotainment system.
High-performance BMW M versions of both the gas-powered 3-Series and electric i3 are also in the pipeline. The latter is expected to have a four-motor powertrain delivering over 1,000 hp. M engineers have been testing the powertrain on public roads since at least 2022.