2026 BMW 3 Series G50 debuts with 443 PS M350, Malaysia debut in 2027?

BMW has unveiled the new 2026 BMW 3 Series G50, bringing Neue Klasse design and cabin technology to its petrol sports sedan. The launch line-up comprises the 318, 320 and M350 xDrive, with the latter combining a 3.0-litre straight-six and mild-hybrid assistance for 443 PS and 580 Nm.

The G50 follows the fully electric BMW i3 NA0, which made its global debut on 18 March 2026. 

G50 BMW 3 Series and BMW i3 NA0 explained

G50 identifies the new combustion-engined 3 Series sedan, while NA0 refers to the fully electric i3 sedan. They share a family resemblance and much of the cabin concept, but their powertrain architectures, dimensions and driving control systems differ.

The G50 petrol models now join the picture, with orders opening on 30 September and production scheduled to begin at Dingolfing in November 2026. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is due over the coming year, while the electric i3 M60 xDrive is scheduled for 2027.

BMW G50 engines and performance

The 318 and 320 retain the familiar combination of a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed Steptronic automatic and rear-wheel drive. Both now feature 48V mild-hybrid assistance.

The 318 develops 115 kW (156 PS) and 250 Nm, with a 0–100 km/h time of 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 215 km/h. The 320 raises output to 155 kW (211 PS) and 330 Nm, bringing the century sprint down to 7.4 seconds and increasing top speed to 240 km/h.

Both four-cylinder variants quote combined WLTP fuel consumption of 7.5 L/100 km.

As for the M350 xDrive, its 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six produces 313 kW (426 PS). A transmission-integrated electric motor rated at up to 13 kW (18 PS) supports the engine, bringing combined system output to 326 kW (443 PS) and 580 Nm.

Power goes to all four wheels through an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic. BMW quotes 4.1 seconds from 0–100 km/h and an electronically limited 250 km/h top speed, alongside 8.2 L/100 km on the WLTP cycle.

How much does the BMW 3 Series G50 cost

German starting prices for the petrol range are:

BMW 318: EUR 49,900 (~RM 231k).

BMW 320: EUR 54,900 (~RM 254k).

BMW M350 xDrive: EUR 80,900 (~RM 375k).

For comparison, the electric BMW i3 starts from EUR 59,900 (~RM 277k) for the i3 40 xDrive and EUR 65,900 (~RM 305k) for the i3 50 xDrive.

Neue Klasse design with G50 proportions

The G50 adopts the same broad visual direction introduced by the NA0 i3. The kidney grille and twin headlights form a single horizontal arrangement, with flush-fitting door handles, pronounced wheel arches and wide rear light graphics completing the look.

There are measurable differences beneath that shared appearance. The G50 is 4,765 mm long, 1,850 mm wide and 1,455 mm tall, with a 2,860 mm wheelbase. Against the outgoing G20 dimensions, that represents increases of 52 mm in length, 23 mm in width and 9 mm between the axles.

The NA0 i3 is slightly shorter at 4,760 mm, but wider at 1,865 mm and taller at 1,480 mm. Its 2,897 mm wheelbase is also 37 mm longer than the G50’s.

Petrol models offer wheels from 18 to 20 inches, while the i3’s options span 19 to 21 inches. The M350 gets 19-inch wheels as standard, plus a rear spoiler, four exhaust outlets and the Iconic Glow exterior package.

Its yellow front light signatures are inspired by BMW’s racing cars, although their operation varies by market. M Sport and M Sport Pro packages are available, as is the new M Le Castellet Blue metallic paint, with further BMW Individual finishes to follow during 2027.

BMW Panoramic iDrive comes to the petrol 3 Series

The cabin is where existing 3 Series owners will notice one of the biggest changes. BMW Panoramic Vision projects information across the lower portion of the windscreen, replacing the need for a conventional instrument display behind the steering wheel.

A 17.9-inch central touchscreen faces the driver, while a separate 3D head-up display is optional. BMW Operating System X handles the interface, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included as standard.

The standard steering wheel has a central upper spoke. The M350 uses an M steering wheel with spokes at the four and eight o’clock positions, which can also be specified on other variants. Petrol models retain gearshift paddles.

Electric seat adjustment with memory and two-zone climate control are standard. Optional multifunction seats provide ventilation in the petrol cars and a massage function in the i3. The M350 adds M Sport seats and Harman Kardon audio, while three-zone climate control is among the wider range of options.

For everyday use, the G50 has a 450-litre boot. The i3 provides 420 litres at the rear and a separate 31-litre compartment under the bonnet. Both have rear backrests that fold in a 40:20:40 split.

M350 xDrive gains adaptive suspension and Drift Moment

BMW has revised the G50’s axle geometry, steering and body structure, with wider tracks and new lift-related dampers. Adaptive suspension and adaptive M suspension are available with variable sport steering.

The M350 receives adaptive M suspension, variable sport steering, M Sport brakes and an M Sport differential as standard. Its additional body bracing and model-specific suspension tuning are intended to sharpen responses, although any judgement on ride comfort and handling will have to wait for a drive.

A new Drift Moment function can direct power entirely to the rear wheels with DSC Off engaged. It is due during 2027, including activation by software update for M350 models already delivered.

The G50’s driving control system is tailored to its combustion powertrain. The i3 instead uses the electric-specific Heart of Joy central computer to coordinate its drive system, braking and other functions. Their shared styling does not mean every piece of underlying technology is identical.

Driver assistance depends on the market

BMW’s Symbiotic Drive allows the driver to steer, brake or accelerate without immediately cancelling assistance, while collision warnings, emergency braking and an exit warning form part of the active safety offering.

The optional Motorway Assistant supports hands-free motorway driving at up to 130 km/h, with the driver remaining attentive. BMW lists 21 countries for availability by the end of 2026, and Malaysia is not among them. Navigation-guided urban assistance is planned to begin rolling out in Germany during 2027.

Parking options include a 360-degree view, a Manoeuvre Assistant that stores routes of up to 200 metres and remote parking through the My BMW app from up to six metres away. 

When could the BMW 3 Series G50 launch in Malaysia

Looking at the NA5 BMW iX3's global debut to its eventual arrival here which took roughly 11 months, we reckon that the same can also be applied for the G50 3 Series, thus putting it on a potential early-2027 Malaysian debut.