BMW unveils engine-powered 3-series

After unveiling the electric i3 saloon in March, BMW gave details of the petrol-powered 3-series on Sept 30, alongside its electric counterpart.

While visually similar, the petrol-powered 3-series shares very little under the skin with the electric i3.

Built on extensively reworked underpinnings of the current model, it keeps closer to the classical 3-series proportions, unlike the stockier i3.

Overall length has grown 52mm to 4,765mm, making it 5mm longer than the electric i3. The wheelbase has been stretched by 9mm over the current 3-series to reach 2,860mm, which is 37mm shorter than the electric car’s 2,897mm.

This suggests that the cabin will be less spacious overall than that of the electric i3.

BMW announced three powertrain options: two four-cylinder 2-litre, turbocharged mild hybrids, tuned to make 156hp 318 and 211hp 320 forms; and the M350 xDrive. As the range topper, the latter has an inline-6, 3-litre turbocharged mild hybrid engine and all-wheel drive.

A plug-in hybrid version will follow later. The engine-powered 3-series will be offered alongside the electric i3, which comes in two dual-motor forms: the 275kW 40 xDrive and the 345kW 50 xDrive.

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