How We’d Spec It: 2027 BMW 3-Series

The BMW 3-series is the poster child for sports sedans, so it’s always exciting when a new generation debuts. The gas-powered Neue Klasse 3-series that can be configured on BMW’s consumer site is available with a 255-hp turbocharged 2.0 four-cylinder (330) or a 437-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six (M350). In rear-wheel-drive form, the 330 starts at $51,250, while the all-wheel-drive-only M350 starts at $67,250. Regardless of powertrain, both Bimmers offer a wide selection of paint colors, wheel designs, and stand-alone options. That level of personalization makes the new 2027 BMW 3-series a perfect candidate for our How We’d Spec It series.

Joey Capparella’s $52,750 330

BMW

I find BMW’s Neue Klasse era to be a bit overwhelming, so I kept things simple with my 3-series. Though the 437-hp six-cylinder M350 is tempting, the 255-hp four-cylinder 330 offers enough power for my needs, and I like that it’s available in a standard rear-wheel-drive configuration. Given that the new 3 is larger and heavier than ever, I’ll consider this to be the “superleggera” spec.

BMW

I’m a sucker for a green-over-brown combination, so I chose Eucalyptus Green Metallic paint for $650 and the Castanea reddish-brown faux-leather interior (free of charge). The available staggered summer tires with 20-inch wheels are a pretty good deal at $600, and I opted for the space-saver spare for $250. My total comes out to a reasonable $52,750, which is barely more than the average cost of a new car these days. –Joey Capparella

Drew Dorian’s $59,900 330 xDrive

BMW

Like Joey, I went with the 330 model, only I went with the $2000 xDrive (AWD) system and the M Sport appearance package. I also painted it Ocean Wave Blue Metallic and threw on the two-tone 20-inch 1142i wheels. Here’s the point in the build that I got a little disappointed with BMW’s offerings. The only way to get genuine leather upholstery is if you go with a drab, all-black interior theme. Yuck. I settled for the faux-leather “Veganza” upholstery because I wanted the reddish-brown Castanea color. Next, I added the Comfort package, which is an easy yes at $1350. It includes a power trunk lid, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and remote start.

BMW

I had planned to skip the $1900 Technology package because, with the Neue Klasse’s new Panoramic Vision screen, I see no need for a head-up display. I also don’t care about light-up grille elements. But I was bummed to find out that the Technology package is the only way to get the Harman/Kardon stereo, so I begrudgingly added it to my shopping cart. All in, I’m just under $60,000—$59,900 to be precise—for a well-optioned 3-series that I think will be considered a “good spec” 10 years down the road. –Drew Dorian

Eric Stafford’s $59,300 330

I’m not sold on the Neue Klasse look. On the new 3-series, I mostly don’t like how the high beltline and smooth side panels create a thick-bodied design that is visually pretty boring. Also, this one’s not an EV, so can I have normal door handles, please? I do like what I’ve dubbed the “stretched-kidney” grille, and I like how they flow into the contoured hood. But enough about my personal styling preferences; my ideal 3-series—at least until the M3 arrives—is the 330, not because it costs less than the M350, but because it offers rear-wheel drive.

BMW

I also think it looks best in Black Sapphire Metallic ($650), and I deleted the rear badge to trick some people into thinking it’s not the base model. For $1200, the 20-inch M Trigon machine-faced wheels with staggered high-performance summer tires were an easy choice. The same goes for the $2000 M Sport package, M-tuned adaptive suspension ($550), and spare tire ($250 is worth the peace of mind of not getting stranded with an inflator kit).

BMW

Inside, I made the risky decision to pick the Digital White theme. I don’t have kids, but I’d definitely be enforcing a strict “No Flamin’ Hot Cheetos” rule. I also swapped the standard steering wheel for the $150 M-branded version that forgoes the strange top spoke, as if the weirdly angled center touchscreen wasn’t trippy enough. I’d pay $1300 for massaging and ventilated front seats alone, but the Comfort package also includes a heated steering wheel, a power trunk lid, and remote start. Score! I debated not spending $1900 on the Technology package, but it’s the only way to get the Harman/Kardon sound system, and I’m a sucker for a good stereo. The illuminated grille is a nice bonus, but the head-up display is pointless. Altogether, my RWD 330 totaled $59,300. –Eric Stafford

Jack Fitzgerald’s $69,100 M350 xDrive

BMW

While I appreciate my colleagues’ restraint, I’m not going to pass on the 437 horsepower available in the M350 xDrive. I don’t really love any of the paint options available this year, but for $650, the Le Castellet Blue Metallic is a solid color. All of the wheel options are too busy for my taste, but the 20-inch M Trigon Bicolor 1141M wheels with the staggered high-performance tires suit my tastes the best.

BMW

The rich Castanea faux-leather interior similarly suited my fancy, and for an additional $0, what’s not to love? I skipped the M Technology package and the rear seat comfort features since the M350 comes pretty well appointed as is. Total, my spec comes to $69,100—certainly not cheap, but not horrible considering the performance. –Jack Fitzgerald

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Eric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si.

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