This Is the New BMW 3 Series. Here’s Everything You Need to Know

About six months after the electric i3 debuted, BMW has officially unveiled the new generation of the gasoline-powered 3 Series. The two families look remarkably similar inside and out, and their dimensions differ by only a few millimeters. Technically, however, they are two very different cars. And it’s not just about their powertrains. The BMW i3 rides on the company’s latest Neue Klasse platform, while the new gas-powered 3 Series uses the proven CLAR architecture, albeit in heavily updated form.

Despite its obvious visual similarities to the fully electric 3 Series, the gasoline-powered model has several distinct design elements of its own. There’s a practical reason for one of the biggest differences: the internal-combustion engine needs plenty of airflow for cooling. As a result, the new 3 Series gets a full-size kidney grille with BMW’s latest design treatment.

The range-topping M350 xDrive has its own styling cues. The M Sport package, for example, includes model-specific bumpers, side skirts and M Sport brakes. The car also features a more aggressive rear diffuser and four exhaust outlets.

The interior is completely new for the 3 Series, but much of it will already be familiar from the first Neue Klasse models. Among the highlights is the unusual 17.9-inch display, along with BMW’s panoramic iDrive system stretching across the lower portion of the windshield. It works together with an available 3D head-up display.

The steering wheel, with a design that’s still unusual for a gas-powered BMW, is also carried over. In the M Performance version, it features controls for M Mode and Boost functions. The M350 xDrive also gets M Sport seats with additional side bolstering, while the other versions use more conventional seats.

The new 3 Series will launch in three versions: the 330, 330 xDrive and M350 xDrive. BMW is also dropping the familiar “i” designation from the model names to avoid confusion with the electric i3.

The most powerful version, the M350 xDrive, is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It produces 437 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent through a familiar eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission to all four wheels.

The M350 xDrive can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds, while top speed is 130 mph. That figure increases to 155 mph when the car is equipped with performance tires.

The 330 and 330 xDrive use a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Top speed is the same as the M350 xDrive, while 0-to-62-mph acceleration takes 5.9 seconds.

Up front, the new 3 Series uses a double-wishbone suspension, while the rear suspension is a multi-link setup. Regular versions come with adaptive suspension, while the range-topping model gets a sportier version of the system.

The M350 xDrive also introduces a Drift Mode that sends no power to the front axle, effectively turning the car into a rear-wheel-drive model. BMW says the feature will not be available immediately when the car reaches dealerships. Instead, it will be activated later through a software update.

U.S. sales are scheduled to begin next year, with BMW currently targeting the first quarter. Pricing for the new 3 Series in the U.S. starts at $49,900 for the 330 and $51,900 for the 330 xDrive. The M350 xDrive will start at $65,900.