BMW Unveils 2024 3 Series Lineup: i3 EV with 568-Mile Range or M350 xDrive with 3.0L Straight-Six—Plug-In Hybrid Arrives Later

MALAYSIA, 1 OCTOBER 2026 —

BMW Unveils Eighth-Generation 3 Series Lineup in Malaysia: Fully Electric i3 with 912km Range Joins Petrol Models, Diesel Option Dropped

BMW has officially launched its all-new eighth-generation 3 Series lineup in Malaysia, introducing a fully electric BMW i3 (NA0) with a WLTP-rated range of up to 912km, alongside petrol-powered variants including the M350 xDrive featuring a 3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged engine.

The lineup marks BMW’s shift away from diesel powertrains, offering only three powertrain options—electric, petrol, and an upcoming plug-in hybrid—while reinforcing its Neue Klasse design language and advanced technology across both electric and internal combustion models.

The new 3 Series lineup reflects BMW’s strategic pivot toward electrification, with the i3 built on a dedicated Neue Klasse EV platform and the petrol models on an updated CLAR architecture, previously used in the outgoing G20 generation. While the electric i3 prioritises efficiency and cutting-edge battery technology, the petrol variants retain the brand’s signature performance and driving dynamics, including the M350 xDrive’s 313kW (419hp) straight-six engine—a first for the 3 Series in Malaysia.

The absence of diesel options aligns with global trends and regulatory pressures, though the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, expected within the year, will provide a transitional option for buyers.

The BMW i3 stands out with its 6th-generation eDrive technology, featuring an 800V architecture and cylindrical-cell batteries, enabling DC fast charging up to 400kW for the i3 50 xDrive and 300kW for the i3 40 xDrive. BMW claims a 10–80% charge in 21 minutes, with a 10-minute charging stop adding 423km (i3 50) or 337km (i3 40) of range. AC charging supports 11kW standard, with an optional 22kW upgrade.

In China, BMW has already revealed a long-wheelbase (LWB) i3 40 L, offering over 1,000km CLTC-rated range and 400kW DC fast charging, though this variant’s availability in Malaysia remains unconfirmed. A high-performance i3 M60 xDrive M Performance model is slated for 2027, though specifications have not been disclosed.

The petrol lineup is led by the M350 xDrive, replacing the M340i, with a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six producing 313kW (419hp) and 540Nm, paired with 48V mild-hybrid technology and xDrive all-wheel drive. The mild-hybrid system boosts combined output to 326kW (437hp) and 580Nm, with a 0–100km/h time of 4.1 seconds—faster than the i3 50’s 4.7 seconds. The M350’s top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h, compared to the i3’s 200km/h.

Entry-level models include the 318 (115kW/154hp, 9.5s 0–100km/h) and 320 (155kW/208hp, 7.4s 0–100km/h), both featuring 48V mild-hybrid systems and rear-wheel drive. The M350 also introduces Adaptive M suspension and a Drift Moment function, set to arrive via a 2027 software update, allowing rear-wheel power delivery for drifting.

Design-wise, the new 3 Series adopts a unified aesthetic across electric and petrol variants, with a merged kidney grille and twin headlights, flush door handles, and pronounced wheel arches. The i3 measures 4,760mm long with a 2,897mm wheelbase, while petrol models are slightly shorter at 4,765mm with a 2,860mm wheelbase.

Interior differences include the i3’s flat floor and front-centre storage, while petrol models offer a 450-litre boot versus the i3’s 420 litres, supplemented by a 31-litre frunk for charging accessories. Both variants feature BMW Panoramic iDrive with a 17.9-inch touchscreen, BMW Operating System X, and a 3D Head-Up Display as an option. The i3 incorporates Heart of Joy—a unified drivetrain and dynamics control system—while petrol models use a dedicated BMW Driving Stack.

Production of the petrol 3 Series will begin at BMW’s Dingolfing plant in November 2026, with the i3 already manufactured in Munich. Malaysia’s pricing and availability for the new lineup remain undisclosed, though the plug-in hybrid’s arrival within the year suggests BMW aims to cater to diverse market preferences amid evolving emissions regulations.

The lineup’s introduction coincides with global automotive shifts, positioning BMW as a leader in both electric and performance segments while phasing out diesel—a move likely to influence Malaysia’s own automotive policy discussions on electrification incentives.

Related: BMW · Malaysia