2027 BMW 3-Series

Overview

BMW’s venerable 3-series—its most recognizable sports sedan—enters a new generation for 2027 wearing a handsome new look and sporting cutting-edge interior tech. A turbocharged four-cylinder is standard and makes 255 horsepower, and the top-spec M350 model comes with a turbocharged inline-six with 437 ponies. We’ve driven the new model and came away impressed by the six’s power and the M350’s handling.

While the exterior styling is new, the 3-series’s interior is the showstopper. A large display in the shape of an irregular hexagon sits in the center of the dash and runs BMW’s latest infotainment interface. This large screen is augmented by a long, narrow projection display that runs along the top of the dashboard at the base of the windshield. It takes some getting used to, but it puts critical info such as vehicle speed and navigation directions within easy view.

Expert Tip: An electric variant called i3 is also available, as is an iX3 SUV. Both feature the same infotainment setup, but offer electric motoring with competitive driving range.

What’s New for 2027?

The only thing that hasn’t changed for 2027 is the 3-series’s sports-sedan attitude.

C/D Expert Tip:

If this year’s model is largely unchanged and you’re comfortable with a lightly used car, you may want to consider shopping previous model years. A one-to-three-year-old model will likely have a warranty and it’ll cost less than buying new.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

• Engine: 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, 437-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

A turbocharged four-cylinder powers the 330 model, and it makes 255 horsepower. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option. A turbocharged six-cylinder comes in the M350 model. This performance-oriented trim has 437 horsepower and comes standard with all-wheel drive.

We drove the M350 and found that its handling is planted and responsive, and the all-wheel-drive system offers a Drift Moment mode that sends power only to the rear wheels for sideways hooning. We haven’t yet driven the four-cylinder 330.

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0–60-MPH Times

• Claimed 60-mph Time: 5.9 seconds (330), 3.9 seconds (M350)

In Comparison: Since the old M340i got to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds in our testing, we think the even more powerful M350 will be quicker than BMW’s estimate.

Additional Research

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

First Row: BMW has given the 3-series an uncluttered interior design, moving many of the car’s physical buttons to the touchscreen. A toggle-switch shift lever is on the center console behind a pair of cupholders and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Rather than a traditional gauge cluster on the dash behind the steering wheel, the gauges are projected on a screen along the bottom of the windshield.

Second Row: The rear seat is relatively spacious for this segment, with enough room for two adults to ride without being shoulder-to-shoulder; three abreast would be a squeeze. A flip-down center armrest between the two outboard seats provides a place to rest elbows, and vents on the back of the center console direct airflow to those seated in back.

Cargo Capacity: A 15 cubic-foot trunk should be plenty of room for road trip luggage or a shopping haul. The rear seats fold down to expand cargo-carrying capacity. When we get a chance, we’ll see exactly how many carry-on suitcases will fit in the 3-series’s trunk.

Infotainment and Connectivity

• Infotainment: 17.9-inch touchscreen
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Audio System: 7-speaker stereo (standard), Harman/Kardon stereo (optional)

The dash-mounted infotainment touchscreen is canted slightly toward the driver and measures a generous 17.9 inches in diameter. It works in concert with a panoramic projection display that runs along the base of the 3-series’s windshield and provides readouts for speed, directions, and trip info.

Up to six widgets can be moved from the infotainment screen to the windshield display system by drag and drop; further customization of both screens can be manipulated by buttons on the steering wheel. A head-up display is available, and smartphones and smartwatches from all leading manufacturers can be programmed to operate as the vehicle key. A seven-speaker stereo is standard; a Harman/Kardon stereo is available as an option.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

BMW offers basic driver-assistance features as standard, but more advanced tech requires an upcharge. Among those optional features are a self-parking feature and a hands-free driving mode.

• Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control
• Optional Safety Features: adaptive cruise control with a hands-free driving mode, self-parking feature, 360-degree exterior camera system

For information about the 3-series’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

BMW’s limited and powertrain warranties align with those of rivals such as Audi and Mercedes-AMG, but it provides longer complimentary maintenance than its German competition.

• Limited Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary Maintenance: three years or 36,000 miles

As more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about:

• Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

C/D Test Results and Specs

Specifications

Specifications

2027 BMW 3-Series
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear- or all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE
Base: 330, $51,250; 330 xDrive, $53,250; M350 xDrive, $67,250

ENGINES
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve Miller-cycle 2.0-liter inline-4, 255 hp, 295 lb-ft; turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve Miller-cycle 3.0-liter inline-6, 437 hp, 428 lb-ft

TRANSMISSION
8-sp

Source: www.caranddriver.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.