New BMW 3 Series priced from $99,900
Words: Kyle Cassidy
BMW’s eighth-generation 3 Series will arrive in New Zealand from the first quarter of 2027, with a three-model launch range offering petrol and fully electric power.
The BMW 320 opens the line-up at $99,900, followed by the electric i3 50 xDrive at $128,900 and the six-cylinder M350 xDrive at $140,900. All prices include GST and exclude on-road costs.
The new range brings BMW’s Neue Klasse design language and digital technology to both combustion and electric sedans. BMW says this is the first time New Zealand buyers will have both powertrain choices within the same generation of the 3 Series family.
The electric model’s headline figure is a claimed WLTP range of up to 912km. That comes with an 800V electrical architecture and DC charging capability of up to 400kW, although the release doesn’t specify battery capacity or a 10–80 per cent charging time.
Petrol or electric?
The entry-level 320 produces 155kW and 330Nm, with a quoted 0–100km/h time of 7.4 seconds.
For buyers wanting six-cylinder petrol power, the M350 xDrive combines its engine with 48V mild-hybrid technology. Outputs are 326kW and 580Nm, with 0–100km/h taking 4.1 seconds.
The i3 50 xDrive delivers 345kW and 645Nm, making it the most powerful model in the initial range. Its quoted 4.7-second sprint to 100km/h is nevertheless slower than the M350’s.
At $128,900, the electric sedan sits $29,000 above the 320 and $12,000 below the M350 xDrive.
| Model | Price, plus on-road costs | Power / torque | 0–100km/h |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 320 | $99,900 | 155kW / 330Nm | 7.4 seconds |
| BMW i3 50 xDrive | $128,900 | 345kW / 645Nm | 4.7 seconds |
| BMW M350 xDrive | $140,900 | 326kW / 580Nm | 4.1 seconds |
The i3 uses BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology and also gets the brand’s Heart of Joy vehicle dynamics control system. Standard AC charging capability is 22kW, and there’s an additional storage compartment beneath the bonnet.
A new look and cockpit
BMW has retained the 3 Series’ familiar sedan proportions while introducing cleaner surfaces, more pronounced wheelarches and a fresh interpretation of its four-eyed front-end design.
Inside, all three models feature the new Panoramic iDrive cockpit and Operating System X. Local standard equipment includes Panoramic Vision, a 3D head-up display and a central screen with QuickSelect functionality.
BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant and Symbiotic Drive also form part of the new digital package.
The 320 comes with M Sport trim, 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive M suspension and M Sport brakes. Heated and ventilated multifunction front seats, electric seat adjustment with memory, a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, Driving Assistant Plus and Parking Assistant Plus are included.
The M350 xDrive adds 20-inch wheels with sport tyres, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, glass interior detailing and a Harman Kardon surround-sound system.
The i3 50 xDrive has 19-inch wheels as standard, along with adaptive M suspension, M Sport brakes and M Sport trim. Its equipment list also includes heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, Harman Kardon audio, a panoramic sunroof and the same Driving Assistant Plus and Parking Assistant Plus packages.
Options and arrival timing
An M Sport Pro package is available for the 320 and i3 at $4200, adding equipment including M seat belts, an M steering wheel, M Sport seats and a black rear spoiler. On the 320, selecting the M Sport seats removes the standard seat ventilation function.
The 320 also offers a $3500 Comfort Package, bringing the heated steering wheel, rear-seat heating, glass interior detailing and Harman Kardon audio fitted to the M350.
The new generation follows more than 18 million 3 Series sales worldwide since the original arrived in 1975. BMW says the nameplate has consistently been its best-selling model in New Zealand, with the 320, M350 xDrive and i3 50 xDrive due locally from Q1 2027.
