Neue Klasse 2027 BMW 3 Series Could Look Like This

The next generation of BMW’s popular 3 Series will feature a mild-hybrid M3 with more than 600 horsepower

The new BMW 3 Series is about to be launched, and after a prototype wearing tight camouflage was photographed last month, some renderings were shared online in an attempt to decipher what the new sedan will look like. If these pictures are anything to go by, it will likely feature a similar silhouette to the 5 Series, but with a fresh twist at the front.

Much like the all-electric i3 sedan in development, the latest 3 Series will adopt many of the Neue Klasse design cues seen in recent sedan and SUV concepts. BMW has done a good job of hiding important elements of the new design on its prototypes, but here it is, in these renderings from a digital artist Kelsonic (for automatic review), the preview version of this luxury compact sedan features angular LED headlights and a wide kidney grille that may (or may not) appear on the production model.

Read: First look at the new BMW 3 Series in camouflage

In addition to the front fascia, the body of the new 3 Series will also be completely revised, with lines similar to those of the 5 Series. Key changes will include new door handles, overhauled door skins and slightly more subtle creases on the rear quarter panels. The rear fascia is also likely to be slightly taller than the outgoing model and will inevitably include new taillights, perhaps also inspired by its big brother.

Platform differences

While BMW will sell the next-generation 3 Series alongside the new all-electric i3 sedan, the two are not expected to use the same underpinnings. You see, the i3 will be based on the newly developed Neue Klasse platform, while the ICE-based 3 Series will continue to use a newer, more familiar form of the CLAR platform.

Powertrain options and M models

BMW will likely continue to offer its familiar lineup of gasoline engines, including a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter inline-six, both turbocharged and equipped with mild-hybrid technology for increased power and efficiency. The latter is expected to debut in M350 form. A diesel option will also remain in some markets, including Europe.

There’s good news for M fans. Despite Mercedes-AMG’s controversial decision to downsize the C63 to a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid, the next-generation M3 will retain the brand’s signature 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine and Improve quantitatively.

More: BMW’s next-gen ICE M3 is a mild hybrid, not a PHEV like the heavyweight M5

As we recently learned from BMW officials during our recent drive of the new M5 sedan and wagon, that powerplant will feature a 48-volt mild-hybrid system rather than the new M5’s plug-in hybrid unit. There’s no word yet on how much power the new car will have, but more than 600 ponies seems likely.

While we don’t have an official launch date yet, the next-generation 3 Series will likely debut in 2026 (possibly 2027) alongside the new i3 sedan.

Note: This article contains renderings not approved by BMW.