BMW is in a festive atmosphere because it blows out on the anniversary cake of the 3 -series anniversary of the 50th candle. The company has sold over 20 million units since 1975, which makes the 3 Series its most successful product so far. But Bavaria does not rest on its laurels, especially not on today’s Cutthroat Automotive market. The Codenamed G50, the eighth generation model, has already entered a progressive test phase before its introduction next year.
A test fleet of Bavaria’s legendary sports sedan recently appeared in the south of France and looked big and responsible. BMW also plans a full electrical i3 (Na0) for 2026, these camouflaged prototypes represent the combustion engine version. The most fascinating in the Bunch Sport -Vier -output tips, although it is not a M3. A “G84” M variant is in the pipeline, but the prototype with a license plate that ends in “4337” is an M performance model.
Get ready to say goodbye to the M340i and M350. This is not just a name change to the sake of it. BMW moves to a higher number to reflect more performance. The “I” suffix is equipped over the entire petrol series, since it is reserved exclusively for forward -looking electric vehicles. Another prototype caught in front of the camera seems to be a standard -3 series that shows itself through the hidden exhaust tip under the bumper. Only the models M Performance and M offer visible quad tips.
Although the Electric i3 seemed to be smaller in spy shots than the G20, the next gas 3 Series looks huge. This is not surprising when you consider how the Gran Coupé of the “compact” 2 Series is already larger than an E90. The automotive bloat shows no signs of slowing down, and a stretched 3 -series version for China is already in progress, with a longer wheelbase planned for a greater legroom afterwards.
On the bright side, this long nose still has space for an inline-six. BMW was able to keep the B58 in the M350 and give the M3 a mild hybrid S58. According to a recently published report, the M-Lite model will produce 417 hp (311 kilowatts) from its 3.0-liter engine from turbocharger. It would be 31 hp more than the current M340i in the USA. It would also be an additional 48 hp output compared to the European version.
Even disguised in Camo, the new 3 Series cannot hide the developing design language from BMW. The styling direction, which is in the preview of the Vision of Nice Class 2023, is already taking shape. Hopefully you liked the concept. Remarkably, this prototype is missing from the production of production, and there is a good chance that a light bar with full width is hiding under the trunk lid. Expect an important technical overhaul with Idrive X and Panoramia Vision inside. Most physical controls go away, and the popular rotary switch will soon also be a thing of the past. Apparently there is less.
The M350 is expected to start together with the Standard 3 series next year. Production is scheduled to begin in November 2026. As already mentioned, BMW is probably in love with production in Dingolfing. The G50 will certainly not be built in Munich, since the historical work will only pass for the production of electric vehicles from 2027.
