BMW’s Neue Klasse era began with the 2025 iX3 crossover, followed by an i3 sedan in March. The automaker extended this design language to internal combustion vehicles in June with the iX5 and, on Tuesday, the new 3-Series. The eighth-generation G50 sedan features an exterior nearly identical to the electric i3, creating a striking visual link between the two powertrains.
Shared Skin, Different Underpinnings
Although the two models share a similar look, they sit on completely different architectures. The internal combustion car uses a platform built for gasoline engines, while the i3 relies on an 800-volt system designed specifically for electric power. As a result, the sedan is 0.2 inches longer, 0.6 inches narrower, and has a 1.5-inch shorter wheelbase than its electric counterpart.
This separation of design and architecture reflects a broader shift in the automotive industry. Manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing visual continuity across their lineups to streamline production and marketing, even as the mechanical differences between electric and internal combustion vehicles continue to grow. The result is a family resemblance that emphasizes the brand’s identity over the specific engineering requirements of each powertrain.
The top-of-the-line model is the M350 xDrive, replacing the outgoing M340i. It features a 48-volt mild hybrid system paired with the long-serving B58 turbo inline-six. This configuration delivers 448 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, a significant increase over the G20 generation’s 382 hp and 369 lb-ft. The M350 is all-wheel drive only, but BMW plans to add a “Drift Moment” feature via a 2027 software update that routes power to the rear wheels.
For the U.S. market, the base model comes in 330 and 330 xDrive trims. The four-cylinder variant produces 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. This time is two seconds slower than the inline-six version. Inside, the cabin features a screen display spanning the width of the dashboard, with an M Sport steering wheel featuring two diagonal spokes as standard equipment on the M350.
BMW has set a launch window for the first quarter of 2027. Pricing begins at $51,250 for the four-cylinder rear-wheel drive model after destination charges, while the dual-motor i3 and six-cylinder M350 start at $62,850 and $62,250, respectively. M variants of both the electric and gasoline sedans are expected to arrive later in the year.
Engine and Pricing Details
The base model uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The M350 xDrive features a mild hybrid system and a B58 inline-six, generating 448 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque.
