Next BMW 3 Series spied as both petrol and electric sedans

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The 2027 BMW 3 Series will be available with a choice of petrol or battery power, according to the first spy images of the new-generation model.

Early testing has begun of 3 Series prototypes, with the i3 – the name of the future electric 3 Series – believed to be underpinned by BMW’s ‘Neue Klasse’ architecture, while the petrol model is likely to be based on the brand’s ‘CLAR’ platform.

Despite the two different platforms under the skin, it’s believed the petrol and electric models will share virtually the same exterior and interior styling – though wheelbase, body panels, and other exterior dimensions will differ.

These images, supplied by Drive’s spy photography partners in Europe, show a clear difference between petrol and electric versions in the dash-to-axle ratio – the length between the front wheels and the A-pillar – as well as a longer front overhang in the petrol car.

MORE: Next BMW 3 Series to offer petrol and electric power on different platforms

The electric model also appears to have a more raked front windscreen compared to its petrol sibling, along with a shorter bonnet.

Quad exhaust pipes at the rear of the petrol prototype suggest this could be a range-topping variant, such as an M340 xDrive – with BMW to drop the ‘i’ from non-electric models in the future.

The possibility of this being an early BMW M3 hasn’t been entirely ruled out, given the current M340i uses trapezium-shaped tailpipes, while quad round tailpipes are typically a trademark of the high-performance M3.

However, arguments against this being an M3 prototype are the side mirrors, the wheel track, and the wheels – which appear to be more M-Sport than M3 – and the fact that this doesn’t have a wider body, which is another telltale sign of an M3.

MORE: Confirmed – Next BMW M3 to retain twin-turbo six-cylinder

The overall design of the new-generation 3 Series has changed since the Vision Neue Klasse concept was unveiled in 2023.

Even with the vinyl camouflage wrap, it’s clear the front-end has changed to offer a softer, swept-back look compared to the concept, but retaining the ‘Shark Nose’ – an iconic design feature of BMWs from the 1970s and ’80s.

The new 3 Series will also feature flush door handles, and – while hidden by the camouflage – the traditional ‘Hoffmeister Kink’ window shape at the C-pillar.

Unconfirmed reports claim the 2027 BMW 3 Series will be unveiled in mid-2026.

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