Wait no more: BMW unwraps Neue Klasse-inspired new 3 Series
BMW South Africa has confirmed a local market arrival in the first quarter of 2027.
BMW has unveiled its all-new 3 Series, the G50, which will debut in South Africa next year. The eighth-generation model replaces the G20, which has been on the market since 2018. The G50 integrates styling cues from the i3 electric vehicle, while bidding farewell to the diesel engine for the first time since the original 1975 launch. The G50 retains the same Neue Klasse design language as its electric sibling but mounts on a revised CLAR platform to accommodate new powertrains and dynamic changes.
The G50 boasts enhanced dimensions compared to its predecessor. It extends by 52mm overall, stands 15mm taller, and widens by 23mm, with an 11mm increase in wheelbase. Unfortunately, these dimensions do not translate into additional boot space, which decreases by 30 litres from 480 to 450 litres.
Inside and out, the G50 offers a range of alloy wheel options from 18 to 20 inches. Exterior packages include M Sport and M Sport Pro, with the new M Yellow LED lights, inspired by the automaker's motorsport programmes, making their debut. Optional features include the Iconic Glow illuminated kidney grille surround and the latest LED headlights, both of which also adorn the i3.
The interior mirrors the design language of the i3, featuring the Panoramic Vision display with 17.9-inch iDrive infotainment and the pillar-to-pillar Panoramic iDrive binnacle. Heated rear seats and Harman Kardon sound system add further luxury, with heated rear seats making their first appearance as an option.
The powertrain lineup starts with two petrol engines, both featuring a revised 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The 320 variant, a petrol-only model, produces 155kW/330Nm and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds. The flagship M350 xDrive, however, boasts a more powerful 3.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with increased output to 313kW/540Nm and a quicker 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.1 seconds.
The M350 also benefits from a stronger 13kW/200Nm mild-hybrid system. A plug-in hybrid variant is expected to follow next year, though no details have been disclosed yet.
For South Africa, the G50 will arrive in the first quarter of 2027, initially offered in the 320 and M350 xDrive forms. Both price and specification details will be announced in the new year.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
