BMW has been in a festive mood all year long to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 3 Series. We’ve seen several “50 Years” special editions, marking half a century since the E21’s debut. Mexico is the next market to get a limited release, and this time with an electrifying twist. It is based on the rear-wheel drive 330e.
The special 3 Series is built locally at the San Luis Potosi factory and rides on some of the most beautiful BMW wheels. The two-tone 19-inch set, codenamed “1038,” is an individual upgrade introduced last year for the facelifted 4 Series. The cars also come with the M Sport Pro package and a black kidney grille for added visual drama.
To complete the look, BMW Mexico blacked out the side mirror caps and window trim. The red calipers of the M Sport brakes form a sharp contrast to the body, which is equipped with a trunk lid spoiler and a sunroof as standard. Open the doors and you will be greeted by “3 Series 50 Years Edition” side skirts with an M-color motif.
To sweeten the pot, BMW Mexico adds a carbon fiber dashboard trim and power-adjustable front seats. Three-zone automatic climate control and a wireless charging pad are also included. A special plaque on the center console lid covering the cup holders commemorates the 3 Series milestone.
There are no changes under the hood; the turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine continues to work with an electric motor. Combined output remains 289 hp and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft). The plug-in hybrid sedan takes 5.9 seconds to reach 62 mph and has a top speed of 143 mph (230 km/h). In electric mode it doesn’t go faster than 140 km/h.
The battery has a usable capacity of 19.5 kWh, which corresponds to an electric range of 53 miles (85 kilometers) according to WLTP. A full charge takes two and a half hours on a 7.4 kW wallbox.
BMW dealers in Mexico are already accepting orders from customers willing to spend MXN 1,439,900 (US$78,300).
