2027 BMW 3 Series: Neue Klasse Is in Session

The eighth-generation of the BMW 3 Series has been revealed and showcases the brand’s evolved Neue Klasse design ethos.

Originally used to denote a series of novel vehicles BMW launched in the 1960s to save itself from financial ruin, Neue Klasse models were supposed to be forward thinking. They likewise helped establish much of the styling the brand would use over the proceeding decades.

Modern Neue Klasse vehicles are also supposed to be looking toward the future while tapping into some of the old school styling hallmarks. For example, the 2027 3 Series has the headlamps incorporated into the grille in a manner similar to the BMW 1500 (above). But overall the lack of chrome places it more in line with later models ('70s and '80s) where the headlamps just seem to emerge from a black void.

The effect is so dramatic that it almost makes the brand’s signature kidney grille totally unrecognizable. In fact, this very intentional mixture of new and old has resulted in a vehicle that simultaneously feels both alien and familiar.

However, BMW’s previous design language was frequently chided as polarizing — especially in regard to the oversized kidney grille. It would appear that the automaker’s design team has run in the opposite direction to compensate. Angles are also a little rounder than before and the overhangs are noticeably shorter, again harkening back to something like the original 2002.

BMW has not made it a secret that its intent was to blend old and new designs with the latest batch of New Klass vehicles, with designer Adrian van ­Hooydonk directly stating that was his primary concern with the updated 3 Series.

This ethos is supposed to continue into the vehicle’s future. But we’re finding it a little more difficult to identify there. The cabin of the 2027 BMW 3 Series is a buffet of haptic feedback “buttons” and screens. It doesn’t even use traditional instrumentation, instead relying on a digital info bar that spans the entire dashboard. While we’ve seen the Toyota Prius work with a similar setup, and the Tesla Model 3 making due with even less, it’s a far cry from traditional.

Outside of some haptic feedback panels on the square-looking steering wheel, almost everything looks to be controlled via the 17.9-inch central touch screen. There isn’t even a traditional gear selector. BMW has instead opted to run with a flap designed to look like a crystal (optional) that can be used to put the vehicle into drive, reverse, or park.

While we understand that BMW wants to be forward thinking and that some traditional vehicle controls now cost more to implement than screen-based solutions, none of this looks particularly intuitive to use. Granted, the automaker has stated that it has taken great strides to ensure the (Android-based) user interface is exactly that. But countless studies have shown that these systems require more of a driver’s attention that could have been used to focus on the task of driving. Plenty of motorists have likewise expressed frustration with these types of controls, claiming that they’re a step backward in terms of usefulness.

The same goes for the flush door handles fitted to the exterior of the vehicle, something that might become an issue in China after new safety regulations were introduced.

Our assumption is that the manufacturer simply wanted to keep the vehicle in line with the all-electric i3, which is mechanically distinct but visually the same as other 3 Series models. While there are slight differences in terms of exterior dimensions, ground clearance, and obvious visual cues (like exhaust pipes), one would need to carefully inspect the vehicles to actually tell the difference.

Combustion versions of the new (G50) 3-Series come with updated engines, with most of the work being done to raise efficiency via advanced variable valve-control systems. The 330 starts with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a 48-volt mild hybrid system that produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The base trim is likewise available as an xDrive model (all-wheel drive) should they find rear-wheel drive insufficient.

While M3 remains in development, BMW has shown off specs for the M350 xDrive and the trim should offer sufficient power to keep all but the most demanding fans of the brand happy. The 3.0-liter turbo inline-six, which is also linked up with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, produces a very healthy 437 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque.

BMW estimated that the M350 model was capable of hitting 60 mph in about 3.9 seconds.

Excellent handling was predictably stressed as part of the release with the manufacturing promising a nearly 50/50 weight distribution across trims. Body roll is also supposed to be mitigated by new mounts and customers will be getting a longer wheelbase and wider tracks against the previous generation.

All versions of the gasoline-powered 3 Series will be offered with 245mm and 255mm wide front and rear tires. But there will be an option to bump up the rear rubber to 275 on select models. Wheel sizes look to be limited to either 19 inches or 20 inches.

For the sake of comparison, the all-wheel-drive 2027 BMW i3 50 xDrive is supposed to offer even more power than the combustion-engined M350 xDrive. But the manufacturer has it reaching 60 mph in a slightly slower 4.5 seconds due to the immense heft of the battery.

On the upside, BMW is promising excellent range from the EV. The 112.2-kilowatt-hour battery is supposed to be capable of 446 and 468 miles between charges.

Its 800-volt architecture likewise allows for fast rates of charging, with the company claiming the i3 can recoup roughly 200 miles of range in a scant 10 minutes with DC fast charging at up to 400 kW.

This of course requires you to find a relevant station that you can plug the EV into. But this should be easier due to the BMW boasting the same NACS port used by Tesla Superchargers. Still, we’ve found that EV charging rates can vary immensely in the real world and most people will be trickle charging their cars at home overnight anyway. We’ll be curious to see some real-world testing done once these cars go on sale.

All versions of the 2027 model year will come equipped with BMW’s latest OS X (operating system X) that allows for extreme user customization and an AI personal assistant that is supposed to respond to voice commands and adapt to the needs of individual drivers. These Neue Klasse models also qualify as “software-defined vehicles,” meaning they’ll be receiving routine over-the-air updates and plenty of opportunities for customers to spend additional money on app-based subscriptions.

Production of the 3 Series is slated to commence early next year (in Munich) and BMW stated that it will be furnishing additional details closer to launch. That’ll include things like fuel economy and interior dimensions.

Prices of the 3 Series have predictably gone up by a significant margin against the previous generation. The gasoline-powered version of the car will start at $51,250, with xDrive models tacking on an additional $2,000. Meanwhile, the 2027 M350 xDrive starts at $67,250 whereas the electrified i3 50 xDrive will debut with an MSRP of $62,850.

It’s difficult to say how reasonable that entry point is without having driven it or gone over every single standard feature. But there are plenty of other automobiles capable of rivaling the 2.0-liter turbo’s power output, meaning the 2027 BMW 330 will need to offer sublime handling or extreme comfort to rationalize that kind of pricing. Still, we imagine there are plenty of people still willing to buy (or more likely lease) on the branding alone.

[Images: BMW]

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