BMW is in a festive temper because it blows out the fiftieth candle on the three Sequence’ anniversary cake. Because the E21 debuted in 1975, the corporate has bought over 20 million models, making the 3er its most profitable product thus far. However Bavaria isn’t resting on its laurels, particularly not in right now’s cutthroat automotive market. Codenamed G50, the eighth-generation mannequin has already entered a complicated testing section forward of its launch subsequent yr.
A check fleet of Bavaria’s iconic sports activities sedan just lately confirmed up in southern France, trying massive and in cost. BMW additionally plans a totally electrical i3 (NA0) for 2026, however these camouflaged prototypes signify the combustion-engine model. Probably the most intriguing of the bunch sports activities 4 exhaust ideas, although it’s not an M3. A “G84” full-fat M variant is within the pipeline, however the prototype bearing a license plate ending in “4337” is an M Efficiency mannequin.
Get able to say goodbye to the M340i and hiya to the M350. This isn’t only a title change for the sake of it. BMW is shifting to the next quantity to mirror extra energy. The “i” suffix is being phased out throughout the whole gasoline lineup, as will probably be reserved completely for electrical automobiles shifting ahead. One other prototype caught on digicam seems to be a typical 3 Sequence, evidenced by its hid exhaust tip tucked beneath the bumper. Solely the M Efficiency and M fashions will characteristic seen quad ideas.
Though the electrical i3 appeared smaller in spy pictures than the G20, the subsequent gasoline 3 Sequence appears big. That’s hardly stunning, given how the “compact” 2 Sequence Gran Coupe is already bigger than an E90. Automotive bloat exhibits no indicators of slowing, and a stretched 3er model for China is already within the works, with an extended wheelbase deliberate for better rear legroom.
On the intense aspect, that lengthy nostril nonetheless has room for an inline-six. BMW might maintain the B58 within the M350 and provides the M3 a mild-hybrid S58. In keeping with a current report, the M Lite mannequin will produce 417 horsepower (311 kilowatts) from its turbocharged 3.0-liter engine. It could be 31 horsepower greater than the present M340i within the U.S. It could additionally signify an additional 48 horsepower over the European model.
Even cloaked in camo, the brand new 3 Sequence can’t conceal BMW’s evolving design language. Previewed by the 2023 Imaginative and prescient Neue Klasse, the styling course is already taking form. Hopefully, you favored the idea. Notably, these prototypes lack production-ready taillights, and there’s an excellent probability a full-width gentle bar is hiding beneath the trunk lid. Inside, count on a serious tech overhaul with iDrive X and Panoramic Imaginative and prescient. Most bodily controls are going away, and the beloved rotary dial will quickly be a factor of the previous, too. Apparently, much less is extra.
The M350 is anticipated to launch alongside the usual 3 Sequence subsequent yr, with manufacturing reportedly set to start in November 2026. As beforehand talked about, BMW is probably going shifting manufacturing to Dingolfing. The G50 actually received’t be in-built Munich, because the historic plant will transition completely to electrical car manufacturing beginning in 2027.
