BMW is in a festive temper because it blows out the fiftieth candle on the three Collection’ anniversary cake. For the reason that E21 debuted in 1975, the corporate has bought over 20 million items, making the 3er its most profitable product so far. However Bavaria isn’t resting on its laurels, particularly not in as we speak’s cutthroat automotive market. Codenamed G50, the eighth-generation mannequin has already entered a sophisticated 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 completely electrical i3 (NA0) for 2026, however these camouflaged prototypes symbolize the combustion-engine model. Probably the most intriguing of the bunch sports activities 4 exhaust suggestions, 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 identify change for the sake of it. BMW is transferring to the next quantity to mirror extra energy. The “i” suffix is being phased out throughout your entire gasoline lineup, as will probably be reserved solely for electrical automobiles transferring ahead. One other prototype caught on digital camera seems to be a typical 3 Collection, evidenced by its hid exhaust tip tucked beneath the bumper. Solely the M Efficiency and M fashions will characteristic seen quad suggestions.
Though the electrical i3 appeared smaller in spy photographs than the G20, the following fuel 3 Collection seems to be large. That’s hardly stunning, given how the “compact” 2 Collection Gran Coupe is already bigger than an E90. Automotive bloat reveals no indicators of slowing, and a stretched 3er model for China is already within the works, with an extended wheelbase deliberate for larger rear legroom.
On the intense aspect, that lengthy nostril nonetheless has room for an inline-six. BMW might preserve the B58 within the M350 and provides the M3 a mild-hybrid S58. In response to a latest 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 symbolize an additional 48 horsepower over the European model.
Even cloaked in camo, the brand new 3 Collection 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 preferred the idea. Notably, these prototypes lack production-ready taillights, and there’s a very good probability a full-width mild bar is hiding beneath the trunk lid. Inside, anticipate 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 Collection subsequent yr, with manufacturing reportedly set to start in November 2026. As beforehand talked about, BMW is probably going transferring manufacturing to Dingolfing. The G50 definitely received’t be in-built Munich, because the historic plant will transition solely to electrical automobile manufacturing beginning in 2027.
