Category Archives: NEW CARS

NEW CARS

2027 BMW 3 Series Revealed

BMW has revealed the eighth-generation 3 Series, bringing a new generation of petrol-powered executive saloon designed to sit alongside the fully electric BMW i3. Leading the range is the new BMW M350 xDrive, which produces 437bhp and can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 4.1sec.

The new BMW 3 Series is scheduled to arrive in the UK in early 2027, with production beginning in November. The saloon will launch first, followed by a BMW 3 Series Touring estate later in 2027.

Although the new 3 Series and i3 share BMW’s latest design language and much of their electronic architecture, the two cars are built on fundamentally different platforms. The electric i3 uses BMW’s Neue Klasse architecture, while the combustion-engined 3 Series continues with an evolution of the company’s Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform.

That distinction is significant because BMW is attempting to make its petrol, hybrid and electric models feel increasingly like members of the same family rather than separate generations of technology.

BMW M350 xDrive becomes the new 3 Series performance flagship

The headline model at launch is the BMW M350 xDrive, priced from £66,785 in the UK.

Under its bonnet is a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six petrol engine supported by a small electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. Combined output is 437bhp and 428lb ft of torque.

The petrol engine itself produces 420bhp and 388lb ft, while the integrated electric motor contributes an additional 17bhp.

That represents a substantial step forward compared with the outgoing BMW M340i xDrive. The previous model developed 369bhp and 369lb ft, meaning the new M350 gains 68bhp and 59lb ft.

BMW says the M350 xDrive can accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.1sec, while its top speed is electronically restricted to 155mph.

Interestingly, the petrol-powered M350 xDrive is actually quicker to 62mph than the more powerful four-wheel-drive BMW i3 50 xDrive. The electric model produces 463bhp and 476lb ft from its two electric motors, but requires 4.7sec to reach 62mph.

The difference comes down largely to weight, with the combustion-engined 3 Series carrying considerably less mass.

The M350 therefore occupies an interesting position in BMW’s performance line-up. It is more powerful than the previous-generation M3 and, at least in straight-line acceleration, gets close to the performance offered by the range-topping electric i3.

A new version of BMW’s xDrive four-wheel-drive system is also introduced, with a Drift Moment function scheduled to become available during 2027. The system will be capable of sending the engine’s power exclusively to the rear wheels, giving the M350 a more playful rear-drive character when conditions and circumstances allow.

The M350 will remain the most performance-focused version of the new 3 Series until the arrival of the next-generation full BMW M3.

New BMW 320 expected to be the UK volume seller

While the M350 xDrive grabs the headlines, BMW expects the rear-wheel-drive 320 to account for the majority of UK sales.

Priced from £44,975, the BMW 320 uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with mild-hybrid assistance.

It produces 208bhp and 243lb ft and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW quotes a 0-62mph time of 7.4sec and a top speed of 149mph.

A 318 with 154bhp and 184lb ft will also be offered in European markets, although the exact UK range will be more restricted.

Diesel versions remain part of the broader European 3 Series line-up, but they are unlikely to return to Britain after BMW withdrew diesel versions from the UK market in 2024.

A plug-in hybrid version is also planned and will arrive in 2027, adding another powertrain option to BMW’s increasingly diversified 3 Series range.

BMW 3 Series adopts Neue Klasse-inspired styling

Although the new petrol-powered BMW 3 Series does not use the Neue Klasse platform, its styling has been heavily influenced by the electric i3.

BMW has created a much closer visual relationship between its combustion-engined and electric models. The new 3 Series features a broad horizontal front-end graphic incorporating the traditional BMW kidney grille and twin headlights.

The result is a more unified appearance across BMW’s next generation of cars.

The new car also adopts flush-fitting door handles, traditional cab-back proportions, pronounced rear haunches and slim horizontal rear lights.

The dimensions have increased slightly compared with the outgoing G20-generation 3 Series.

The new combustion-engined 3 Series measures:

  • Length: 4,765mm
  • Width: 1,850mm
  • Height: 1,455mm
  • Wheelbase: 2,880mm

It is therefore 52mm longer than its predecessor, while the wheelbase has increased by 9mm.

The electric BMW i3 is subtly different in its proportions. It is slightly shorter but 15mm wider and 25mm taller, while its wheelbase is also marginally longer.

Despite the differences beneath the skin, the visual similarities between the two models are deliberate. BMW wants customers to immediately recognise both cars as members of the same 3 Series family.

M350 xDrive gets distinctive exterior details

BMW has given the M350 xDrive several visual features designed to distinguish it from the standard 3 Series range.

The performance model gets distinctive yellow daytime running lights, a subtle boot-lid spoiler and four exhaust tailpipes.

Customers choosing less powerful versions can still give their cars a more aggressive appearance through BMW’s M Sport packages.

The M Sport package adds redesigned bumpers, side skirts and a rear diffuser, along with blue M Sport brake callipers.

The M Sport Pro package takes the visual treatment further, adding black mirror caps, a black rear spoiler and red M Sport brakes.

This means the new 3 Series can be configured with a relatively understated appearance or given a much more aggressive look without stepping up to the M350.

BMW focuses heavily on chassis improvements

The biggest changes to the new 3 Series are not necessarily visible from outside.

BMW has extensively reworked the chassis, giving the petrol-powered model its own front suspension geometry and a revised five-link rear suspension.

The rear suspension also benefits from increased wheel camber, while BMW has stiffened the chassis mounting points and revised the anti-roll-bar mounting arrangement.

The objective is to improve the car’s combination of steering response, body control, ride comfort and high-speed stability.

Adaptive suspension will be available as an option, as will adaptive M suspension. Both systems use electronically controlled dampers capable of continuously adjusting their response at each wheel.

The changes should help the new 3 Series retain the dynamic character that has traditionally been central to BMW’s compact executive saloon, while accommodating the changing requirements of modern electrified powertrains.

BMW 3 Series and i3 take different technical routes

The most interesting aspect of the new BMW 3 Series is perhaps what lies beneath its familiar body.

The petrol model continues to use BMW’s CLAR architecture, while the electric i3 is built on the company’s Neue Klasse platform.

That means BMW has not simply converted the electric platform to accept an internal-combustion engine. Instead, the two cars have been engineered independently while being brought significantly closer together in terms of styling, interior presentation and electronic architecture.

This approach allows BMW to maintain combustion-engine technology while simultaneously accelerating its electric-car programme.

It also gives the company a way to keep the 3 Series name relevant across different powertrain technologies.

New BMW 3 Series Touring coming later in 2027

The new 3 Series will initially be launched as a saloon, with UK deliveries scheduled for early 2027.

A BMW 3 Series Touring estate will follow later in the year, continuing one of the most important body styles in the model’s history.

The Touring is likely to broaden the appeal of the new generation significantly, particularly among buyers looking for the driving characteristics of a BMW 3 Series combined with additional luggage capacity and everyday practicality.

Source: BMW

NEW CARS

2027 Volkswagen ID. Tiguan Confirmed: Electric SUV to Replace ID.4 and ID.5

Volkswagen is expanding its electric SUV lineup with a familiar name. The new Volkswagen ID. Tiguan has been confirmed for market launch in early 2027, becoming the successor to the ID.4 and ID.5 while sitting alongside the conventionally powered Tiguan.

The new electric SUV will make its world premiere in early October 2026, although Volkswagen says the vehicle will continue testing under camouflage ahead of its official unveiling.

The decision to use the Tiguan name marks another step in Volkswagen’s evolving naming strategy for its electric vehicles. Following the upcoming ID. Polo and ID. Cross, the ID. Tiguan is designed to make the transition to electric mobility easier for customers by connecting established model names with Volkswagen’s next generation of EVs.

Volkswagen ID. Tiguan to Arrive in 2027

Volkswagen says the ID. Tiguan will enter markets at the beginning of 2027 and will succeed the ID.4 and ID.5 in the brand’s electric SUV lineup.

Rather than abandoning familiar names for its electric models, Volkswagen is increasingly using its strongest existing product names to create a clearer distinction between different vehicle concepts.

The strategy is particularly significant for the Tiguan name. More than 8.3 million Tiguan vehicles have been produced worldwide, making it one of Volkswagen’s most established and recognizable nameplates.

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Brand and Head of Brand Group Core, says the ID. Tiguan will carry the characteristics associated with the established SUV into Volkswagen’s electric future.

“The Tiguan represents a versatile, premium vehicle and embodies the essence of True Volkswagen,” Schäfer said. “With the ID. Tiguan, we are carrying this product promise into the electric future.”

According to Volkswagen, the new electric SUV will combine premium design, generous interior space, intuitive controls and new technologies.

ID. Tiguan Will Be Sold Alongside the Combustion-Engine Tiguan

One of the most important details is that the electric ID. Tiguan will not immediately replace the conventional Tiguan nameplate across Volkswagen’s entire lineup.

Instead, the ID. Tiguan will be offered alongside the existing Tiguan, which continues with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

That gives Volkswagen a two-track strategy in one of the most important segments of the European and global car markets. Customers will be able to choose between the familiar Tiguan powertrain range and the fully electric ID. Tiguan.

The approach also reflects the reality that Volkswagen is continuing to offer multiple powertrain technologies while electric vehicle adoption develops at different speeds across individual markets.

More Than 950,000 ID.4 and ID.5 Delivered

The ID. Tiguan inherits a segment that has already played an important role in Volkswagen’s electric-vehicle strategy.

Since their introduction in 2021, the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 have achieved combined deliveries of more than 950,000 vehicles. Volkswagen describes the two models as among the most successful battery-electric model series in the Volkswagen Group.

The ID.4 established Volkswagen’s presence in the rapidly growing electric SUV market, while the ID.5 added a more aerodynamic fastback-style alternative.

The ID. Tiguan will now take over their role as Volkswagen reshapes its electric SUV range around established and highly recognizable model names.

Tiguan Remains Volkswagen’s Global Bestseller

The significance of the new electric model becomes clearer when looking at the popularity of the Tiguan itself.

Volkswagen says the Tiguan is currently the best-selling model worldwide for both the Volkswagen brand and the Volkswagen Group. Together with its sister model, the Tayron, deliveries exceeded one million vehicles over the past year.

Both the Tiguan and Tayron are available with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains, giving Volkswagen a broad offering in the global SUV market.

The ID. Tiguan will therefore carry one of Volkswagen’s strongest product names into the company’s next phase of electrification.

Volkswagen ID. Tiguan Design and Technology

Volkswagen has not yet released full technical specifications for the production ID. Tiguan, but the company has confirmed several of the key attributes it is targeting.

The electric SUV is expected to focus on:

  • Fully electric powertrain technology
  • Premium exterior and interior design
  • Generous passenger and cargo space
  • Intuitive vehicle operation
  • New-generation technology features
  • A familiar Tiguan-oriented vehicle concept
  • A position alongside the combustion and hybrid Tiguan

Volkswagen is still keeping the production vehicle under camouflage, meaning details such as battery capacity, electric range, charging speeds, power outputs, dimensions and pricing remain to be confirmed.

Those figures will become particularly important as the ID. Tiguan enters an increasingly competitive electric SUV market.

Why the ID. Tiguan Name Matters

Volkswagen’s decision to use the ID. Tiguan name represents a significant change from the company’s original approach to its electric lineup.

The ID.4 and ID.5 were introduced as standalone model names within the ID family. Volkswagen is now moving toward a strategy in which established names such as Polo, Cross and Tiguan are combined with the ID designation.

For customers, the objective is straightforward: make it immediately clear where an electric vehicle sits within Volkswagen’s broader product range.

The ID. Tiguan should therefore be understood not simply as an electric successor to the ID.4, but as part of a broader restructuring of Volkswagen’s model naming strategy.

Volkswagen ID. Tiguan World Premiere Coming in October

The wait for the production version is almost over. Volkswagen has confirmed that the world premiere of the new ID. Tiguan will take place in early October 2026.

Until then, development prototypes will continue testing with camouflage.

The electric SUV will subsequently arrive in markets at the beginning of 2027, joining the existing Tiguan and giving Volkswagen a dedicated electric alternative in one of its most important vehicle segments.

With more than 8.3 million Tiguans already produced and nearly one million ID.4 and ID.5 vehicles delivered, Volkswagen is betting that the combination of a trusted SUV name and an all-electric powertrain can carry the brand’s successful formula into its next era.

2027 Volkswagen ID. Tiguan: Key Facts

  • Model: Volkswagen ID. Tiguan
  • Powertrain: Fully electric
  • Market launch: Early 2027
  • World premiere: Early October 2026
  • Role: Successor to the ID.4 and ID.5
  • Positioning: Electric SUV
  • Related model: Volkswagen Tiguan
  • Tiguan production to date: More than 8.3 million
  • ID.4/ID.5 deliveries since 2021: More than 950,000
  • Tiguan/Tayron deliveries over the past year: More than 1 million

Source: Volkswagen

NEW CARS

2027 Alpine A110: Next-Generation Electric Sports Car Previewed Ahead of 2027 Debut

Alpine has offered the first serious glimpse of its next-generation A110, revealing an artistic full-size sculpture that previews the design language of the brand’s first all-electric sports car. Set to arrive in 2027, the third-generation A110 will move the legendary nameplate into the electric era while retaining the low-slung proportions and driver-focused character that have defined the model since its modern revival.

The full-scale sculpture will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show next month, but Alpine has already used the design study to provide several clues about what we can expect from the production car.

At first glance, the concept appears to be wrapped in an aerodynamic veil, deliberately referencing the covers traditionally used to hide new cars before their official unveilings. Beneath that surface, however, the sculpture reveals a much more significant change: the A110 is evolving visually while remaining unmistakably Alpine.

A New Electric Alpine A110 for 2027

The third-generation Alpine A110 will be the first fully electric version of the French sports car. Rather than adapting the existing A110 architecture, Alpine is developing the new model around its Alpine Performance Platform, or APP.

The new architecture has been engineered specifically with high-performance electric vehicles in mind. Alpine has already demonstrated the platform in prototype form, including a development car that appeared at the Goodwood Festival of Speed wearing the bodywork of the outgoing A110.

That prototype provided the first indication that Alpine is serious about preserving the compact dimensions and low driving position of the A110 despite the transition to battery-electric power.

The new sculpture reinforces that message.

Alpine says the next-generation A110 will remain essentially the same height as the current car, an important detail for a sports car whose identity is closely linked to its low centre of gravity and lightweight, compact proportions.

Concorde Inspiration Shapes the New A110

The new A110 is not simply an evolution of the current design. Alpine’s designers have looked beyond the automotive world for inspiration, with the supersonic Concorde aircraft playing a particularly important role.

Antony Villain, Alpine’s design chief, explained that the team wanted the third-generation A110 to have a more dramatic visual character.

“For the third-generation A110, we wanted something that was more dramatic, so we played with Concorde at the moment when it goes supersonic, and used this as an inspiration to create an echo shape that we interpreted on the body sides,” Villain said.

That influence is visible in the sculpture’s flowing surfaces and apparently tensioned bodywork. Rather than relying on conventional aggressive creases, Alpine appears to be pursuing a smoother aerodynamic form, with the impression of air moving around the car becoming part of the design itself.

The reference to Concorde is also particularly appropriate for Alpine, given the aircraft’s Anglo-French heritage. The supersonic airliner was jointly developed by Britain and France and remains one of the most recognizable examples of European engineering collaboration.

Familiar Alpine Face, Sharper Details

Although the production A110 remains hidden for now, the sculpture offers several clues about its frontal design.

The familiar Alpine V-shaped front appears to remain an important element, helping connect the electric third-generation car with the A110s that came before it. However, the details are expected to become considerably more sophisticated.

The sculpture suggests the use of hexagonal headlights, replacing the more rounded lighting signature associated with the current-generation car. The front end also appears more sculpted and aerodynamic, reinforcing Alpine’s intention to give the electric A110 a distinct identity rather than simply turning the existing model into an EV.

Along the sides, the bodywork appears more tightly shaped around the wheels and airflow, with the Concorde-inspired “echo” form becoming a key design feature.

The result is likely to be a more futuristic A110 without abandoning the proportions that make the current car immediately recognizable.

Alpine Performance Platform Allows a Low-Slung EV

One of the biggest engineering challenges facing Alpine has been creating an electric sports car without sacrificing the low seating position and compact proportions that define the A110.

The Alpine Performance Platform is designed to address that challenge.

Unlike many electric vehicles that use a conventional skateboard architecture with a large battery pack occupying most of the floor between the axles, APP can accommodate battery modules positioned at both the front and rear of the vehicle.

That packaging approach gives Alpine greater freedom to keep the A110 low to the ground.

For an electric sports car, this could be particularly important. Battery-electric vehicles naturally carry substantial mass, and packaging that weight effectively is crucial to achieving the agile handling expected from an Alpine.

By distributing the battery system while retaining a low overall body, Alpine is attempting to combine the advantages of electrification with the proportions of a traditional lightweight sports car.

The A110 Is Going Electric Without Losing Its Identity

The transition from petrol power to electricity represents the biggest change in the A110’s modern history, but Alpine’s early design preview suggests the company is determined not to abandon the model’s core identity.

The current A110 has built its reputation around compact dimensions, low weight, agility and a distinctive French interpretation of the sports-car formula. The third-generation model will have to translate those qualities into an electric format.

The new sculpture provides an early indication that Alpine understands the importance of visual continuity.

The low roofline remains. The V-shaped front survives. The body remains compact and dramatically shaped. But the surfaces are cleaner, the aerodynamics more pronounced and the lighting technology more futuristic.

Most importantly, the next A110 does not appear to be trying to imitate a conventional electric crossover or GT car.

Source: Alpine