New BMW 3 Series (G50) revealed; South Africa to get 320, M350 xDrive and i3 50 xDrive
BMW has revealed the G50-generation 3 Series sedan and confirmed three derivatives for South Africa — the 320, the 326 kW M350 xDrive and the 345 kW i3 50 xDrive — with a local launch pencilled in for Q1 2027.
By CarNews247 Reporter ·
BMW has officially revealed the G50-generation 3 Series sedan and said it will arrive in South African showrooms in the first quarter of 2027. Production of the new saloon is set to take place at BMW’s Dingolfing factory in Germany.
The new 3 Series measures 4 765 mm in length with a 2 860 mm wheelbase, making it 52 mm longer overall and 9 mm longer between the axles than the outgoing G20 sedan. Styling echoes the NA0-series i3 saloon, though the G50 appears to use an updated version of the outgoing car’s CLAR platform.
BMW Group South Africa has confirmed three derivatives for the local line-up: the 320 (155 kW), the M350 xDrive (326 kW/580 Nm) and the fully electric i3 50 xDrive (345 kW/645 Nm). That suggests the 275 kW i3 40 and the forthcoming i3 M60 xDrive will not form part of the initial South African menu.
All petrol engines are said to feature 48V mild-hybrid technology. BMW has also stated a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant is planned for 2027, but that derivative has not been confirmed for South Africa. Company material makes no mention of turbodiesel powertrains for the new 3 Series.
The M350 xDrive is described by BMW as the model range’s “combustion-engine flagship”. It uses a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six with mild-hybrid assistance, producing 326 kW and 580 Nm and sending drive to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic. BMW claims a 0–100 km/h time of 4.1 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 kph; the M350 replaces the outgoing M340i xDrive (285 kW/500 Nm).
BMW says the M350 gains a new “Drift Moment” function that, according to the company, “allows the driver to send the engine’s power to the rear wheels only”.
Inside, the G50 is fitted with BMW’s latest “Panoramic iDrive” package, which includes a full-width “Panoramic Vision” display, a 3D head-up display and a 17.9-inch central touchscreen. BMW will offer four interior design choices with coordinated colour and material selections.
What South African buyers should note
BMW has confirmed models and basic power figures for South Africa but has not released local pricing, detailed specification levels or exact equipment lists. Availability of the planned PHEV and additional i3 variants for the South African market remains unconfirmed.
"allows the driver to send the engine’s power to the rear wheels only," said BMW, manufacturer.
