Once upon a time, the 3 Series was BMW. In a modern lineup crowded with high-riding crossovers and SUVs dominating sales, it’s easy to wonder if the sport sedan has lost its crown. But make no mistake: at its core, no car defines the ultimate driving machine quite like the 3 Series.
For the all-new 2027 generation (G50), the formula takes a massive split. You can get it with internal combustion or as a fully electric vehicle:
The Gas Contender: Powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six backed by 48-volt mild-hybrid tech.
The Electric Contender: Built on BMW’s latest EV architecture with instant dual-motor torque.
We got exclusive seat time to spend a half day testing the mild-hybrid M350 xDrive, followed by a half day pushing the all-electric i3 50 xDrive.
Can the new electric i3 capture the soul of the legendary chassis, or does the inline-six still reign supreme?
Drop your thoughts in the comments: Are you taking the turbo-six M350 or going all-in on the electric i3?
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