BMW to Bring Electric i3 and New 3 Series Range to South Africa in 2027
BMW to Bring Electric i3 and New 3 Series Range to South Africa in 2027. BMW will introduce the latest generation of its 3 Series in South Africa during the first quarter of 2027, with the local line-up set to include the fully electric BMW i3 alongside petrol-powered mild-hybrid models.
The new 3 Series adopts BMW’s Neue Klasse design and technology direction. The initial South African range will comprise the electric i3 50 xDrive, four-cylinder BMW 320 and six-cylinder M350 xDrive. Final local specifications will be confirmed closer to the launch.
The i3 50 xDrive will be the first fully electric 3 Series derivative offered locally. It uses BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology, cylindrical-cell battery architecture and an 800V electrical system.
The electric model produces 345kW and 645Nm and has a claimed 0 to 100km/h acceleration time of 4.7 seconds. Its 108.7kWh battery offers a claimed WLTP range of up to 912km.
The i3 supports DC charging of up to 400kW, with BMW claiming that up to 423km of range can be added in 10 minutes under suitable conditions. It also supports 22kW AC charging and bidirectional charging.
A BMW i3 M60 xDrive is planned for 2027, although BMW has not confirmed whether it will be offered in South Africa.
The petrol-powered BMW 320 uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 48V mild-hybrid technology, producing 155kW and 330Nm. BMW claims a 0 to 100km/h time of 7.4 seconds and fuel consumption of 7.5l/100km.
The M350 xDrive combines a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance. It produces 326kW and 580Nm, with a claimed 0 to 100km/h time of 4.1 seconds.
Plug-in hybrid versions are expected to join the range over the following year.
The new 3 Series also introduces BMW’s Panoramic iDrive system, including Panoramic Vision, a 3D head-up display and a 17.9-inch central screen running BMW Operating System X.
Production of the electric i3 will take place in Munich, while combustion-powered models will be built in Dingolfing.
