BMW will unveil its eighth-generation 3 Series Sedan on September 30.
The G50 uses an evolved CLAR platform separate from the electric i3.
Secondary materials will represent 25% of the redesigned sedan’s composition.
BMW will unveil the eighth-generation 3 Series Sedan on September 30, the model’s first full redesign since the G20 was launched in 2018. The 3 Series shook the entry-level luxury car market when the E21 landed in 1975.
The online world premiere is scheduled for 12:01 a.m. Central European Summer Time. This places the debut on the evening of September 29 in Canada, including 6:01 p.m. Eastern and 3:01 p.m. Pacific.
Known internally as the G50, the new 3 Series will keep relying on combustion engines; however, it will adopt much of the design and cabin technology introduced by the electric i3 sedan. BMW intends for the two cars to look closely related, although their engineering and production arrangements differ substantially.
The G50 is based on an evolution of BMW’s CLAR platform and will be assembled in Dingolfing, Germany. The i3 uses the dedicated Neue Klasse electric architecture and is produced in Munich. Packaging also separates them: the electric model has a flat floor, a shorter front overhang and storage beneath the hood, while the 3 Series won’t offer a frunk.
The split allows BMW to preserve combustion and plug-in hybrid choices in its core sedan while developing the i3 as an EV-specific offering. Despite different hard points, both vehicles will use a similar dashboard layout and the company’s latest digital interface.
BMW has confirmed at least one plug-in hybrid variant for the new 3 Series. The M350 xDrive will initially lead the performance range, replacing the M340i and using an updated version of the automaker’s B58 turbocharged inline-six engine. A next-generation M3 is expected later, but BMW has not released final details for that model.
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The redesigned sedan will also incorporate secondary materials in components carrying significant loads. BMW says recycled content will account for 25% of the vehicle’s material composition, compared with 31% for the electric i3.
The approach follows similar recycled-material approaches used in the iX3, i3, updated 7 Series and i7, as well as the redesigned X5 produced in South Carolina. BMW is also evaluating recyclable natural-fibre alternatives for some applications traditionally served by carbon fibre.
BMW has not yet provided any pricing, trim availability or an on-sale date for the G50. All will be revealed next week.
Finally, a Touring version, aka a station wagon, is also planned, although its timing and availability remain unconfirmed.
