2027 BMW 3 Series and i3 priced for Australia from $83K

BMW Australia has now locked in local pricing and specifications for its eighth-generation 3 Series range, with four sedan variants due early next year. Two mild-hybrid petrol models and two EV grades form the launch quartet.

The rear-wheel drive 320 four-cylinder will open proceedings as a replacement for the outgoing 330i, from $83,900 before on-road costs, with the combustion lineup completed, for now, by the $128,900 M350 xDrive.

But buyers looking to get into the battery-electric i3 will need to shell out at least $96,900 for the 40 xDrive grade, as there’s no rear-wheel drive entry point yet. The longer-range i3 50 xDrive has been priced from $112,900.

More derivatives of the 3 Series and i3 are expected to roll out globally over the next year.

Pricing for the entry-level 2.0-litre four-cylinder 320 has been sharpened by $12K compared to the outgoing 330i, though outputs fall from 190kW/400Nm to 155kW/330Nm.

But standard specification is much more generous for the new ‘G50’ 3 Series than the outgoing ‘G20’ chassis.

Even the 320 packs a standard M Sport package, adaptive suspension, fixed panoramic glass roof, 3D head-up display, automated parking, heated and cooled memory front seats, and BMW’s new Panoramic Vision infotainment concept.

It wears 18-inch wheels as standard while also packing keyless access, an illuminated Iconic Grille, ambient interior lighting, and M Sport brakes.

It’s now a huge $45,000 step up to the 326kW/580Nm M350, which packs a 48-volt version of BMW’s ‘B58’ 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine.

The M Performance specification adds 20-inch wheels, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, CraftedClarity glass trim in the cabin, and a standard Harman Kardon premium stereo, though most of those items can be added to the 320 via the $3500 Comfort Package.

BMW has taken a different tack with the electric i3 grades. The 275kW/520Nm i3 40 xDrive and 345kW/645Nm i3 50 xDrive share the same core equipment. Included are 19-inch wheels, M Sport package and brakes, adaptive dampers, a power tailgate, the Harman Kardon stereo, heated front and rear seats, a glass roof, and 22kW AC charging.

The $16,000 jump from the 40 (82.8kWh battery) to the 50 (108.7kWh) in the i3 lineup chiefly buys longer range (912km versus 710km), 70kW more power, and faster charging (400kW versus 300kW).

Like the 320, the i3 can also be specified with a $4200 M Sport Pro package that adds a lip spoiler, black mirrors, sportier seats, belts and steering wheel shaping, plus red brake calipers.

Against the outgoing i4, the i3 40 is $8000 dearer than the current $88,900 eDrive35 model, which was priced to take advantage of the Fringe Benefits Tax waiver for novated leasing customers.

The near-$100K pricing of the incoming i3 40 exceeds the Luxury Car Tax threshold, so there doesn’t appear to be a way to purchase the electric model with an FBT waiver unless a discount is secured.

Globally, a plug-in hybrid version of the 3 Series is due to be unveiled within the next year, and BMW has confirmed an i3 M60 xDrive grade, pitched as an electric match for the M350, is also set to follow in 2027.

Also expected is an i3 30 with rear-wheel drive and a smaller battery, which could reduce the EV’s entry price by a significant degree.

Plus, we still have the new M3 to look forward to. BMW has foreshadowed that the halo grade will be available with a choice of six-cylinder mild-hybrid or quad-motor electric alternatives.

On the wagon front, BMW has reaffirmed the 3 Series Touring’s return since teasing the long-roof model in March, but the wagon has not yet been confirmed for Australia.

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