The year 2025 may not be over yet, but we are excited to see what next year brings. It’s shaping up to be one of the busiest in BMW’s history, thanks in part to two new sedans. The eighth-generation 3 Series will hit the market in 2026 alongside an i3 sedan. The latter is technically entering its second generation, as an electric 3 Series sedan has been on sale in China since 2022, bearing the alphanumeric designation that first bore the strange hatchback.
Although we covered the sedans extensively ahead of their release in 2026, details on the available colors were limited. Luckily, a BMW insider with a strong track record who posts frequently on the site Bimmer post The forums are now talking about the launch liveries. Exterior color options for the new 3 Series “G50” reportedly include:
- Alpine white
- Black sapphire
- Mineral white
- Brooklyn Grey
- Space silver
- Fire/Vegas Red
- Le Castellet Blue
- Polarized gray
- Ocean wave blue
- Eucalyptus green
It’s worth noting that Polarized Gray, Ocean Wave Blue and Eucalyptus Green were introduced on the new iX3 a few months ago. Shortly after its market launch next year, the first SUV in the New Class will also offer Frozen Ocean Wave Blue from the Individual catalog. However, this matte finish is not currently listed for the next-gen 3 Series.
If you prefer the electric 3 Series, the i3 sedan may launch with a more limited color palette. According to the insider, only five paint finishes have appeared in the internal database so far. However, there could be more to come as the list may be incomplete at this point:
- Alpine white
- Black sapphire
- Brooklyn Grey
- Space silver
- Le Castellet Blue
Don’t expect the i3 “NA0” to match the 3 Series in terms of color variety. Why? The two sedans are built in different factories. BMW has confirmed it will produce the electric vehicle in Munich, while the next combustion engine 3 Series will reportedly be assembled in Dingolfing. We can say with certainty that the “G50” will not be manufactured in Munich, as the historic factory will only build electric vehicles until the end of 2027. It will be the first 3 Series that BMW will not produce in Munich.
The same insider also claims to have knowledge of the internal issues. The combustion engine 3 Series is believed to offer the following interior finishes: Essential: Vivid Grey; Contemporary: Castanea, Agave Green, Digital White, Black; BMW M: Black; BMW Individual leather: Black bicolor.
The all-electric i3 is expected with Essential: Vivid Gray; Contemporary: Black two-tone, Digital white, Castanea two-tone, Agave green two-tone; BMW M: Black; BMW Individual leather: Black Bicolor, Adelaide Gray Bicolor.
The BMW i3 comes before the new 3 Series
BMW has already announced that of the two sedans, the i3 will be the first to break cover. We’re hearing production begins in July 2026, so expect a world premiere in late spring. The 3 Series, with both gasoline and diesel engines, will enter production in November and plan its official debut in late summer or early fall.
Logic tells us that exclusive exterior colors and interior trim are likely reserved for the M versions of both sedans. However, you will have to wait for the flagship versions. The M3 “ZA0” without a gasoline engine could go into production in March 2027. The M3 “G84” with a mild hybrid in-line six-cylinder is said to be planned for July 2028.
Source: Bimmer Post
