The next-generation BMW 3 Series revealed in road tests! It is expected to be launched in 2027, with both internal combustion engine and pure electric versions available!

Recently, BMW was found testing a prototype of the next-generation 3-series sedan for the first time in Munich, Germany. The current 3-series is BMW's seventh-generation model, launched in 2019 and initially updated in 2023, with a second update in 2025. The redesigned eighth-generation 3-series is expected to debut in late 2026 or early the following year, which means it may be marketed in the US as a 2027 model.

The car will be on the market a few months later than the all-electric model, which is expected to be named BMW i3. The prototype of BMW i3 has also been found testing on public roads.

The BMW i3 will be based on BMW's Neue Klasse EV platform, which will debut on the iX3 compact crossover next year, becoming part of the X3 family, and likewise, the i3 will be part of the 3-series family. Notably, the combustion engine-driven 3-series sedan will continue to be developed and produced on the CLAR platform.

This special prototype comes with sporty alloy wheels, larger brakes, and quad exhaust pipes, fully reflecting its pursuit of performance, almost reminiscent of "M Performance" or similar designs.

Regarding the exterior design of electric and internal combustion engine models, "pure electric and gasoline-powered sedans will have similar shapes, but proportions will differ to display power attributes," BMW's design director Adrian van Hooydonk revealed in an interview last month, and the new appearance was previewed on the Vision Neue Klasse concept car last year.

(Vision Neue Klasse)

Though there are no clear interior photos, BMW's next-generation interior is expected to adopt a user interface that relies on head-up displays, and makes greater use of controls on the steering wheel. This user interface has been previewed in some of the recent Neue Klasse concept cars, and is expected to be equipped with a head-up display to show important driving information, and another for the infotainment system.