Tag Archives: BMW 3 Series

News

BMW Turns the 3 Series into a Collector’s Item Ahead of the Next Generation

BMW has already told us that the next-generation 3 Series will debut later in 2026, but before the current G20 quietly slips into retirement, the brand is squeezing out one last round of collectibles. In South Korea, BMW is launching a set of five limited-run special editions, three of them rooted in the outgoing 3 Series lineup, each aimed squarely at buyers who want something rarer than the usual showroom fare.

The most eyebrow-raising of the bunch is easily the 320i M Performance Parts Edition. Seeing BMW’s M Performance catalog bolted onto the entry-level four-cylinder sedan is unusual, but that’s exactly the point. Finished exclusively in Alpine White, the car wears a full suite of carbon-fiber accents, including the kidney grille, rear spoiler, and mirror caps. An aramid roof antenna and black M fender badges add subtle flair, while inside you’ll find Cognac-colored Sensatec upholstery rather than real leather. BMW is building just 10 examples, each priced at 64.9 million won, or about $44,500 with taxes included.

Move up the ladder to the M340i, and BMW offers two interpretations of the same idea. Both versions get carbon-fiber trim for the grille, trunk spoiler, and mirrors, plus the same aramid roof antenna seen on the 320i. The more expensive variant layers on an M carbon rear diffuser and black side decals for a more aggressive look. Unlike the base car, these M340i editions come with Vernasca leather seats.

The “entry” M340i special edition is capped at 10 units and costs 89.9 million won ($61,700). Buyers can choose between Alpine White with a Mocha interior or Sapphire Black paired with Oyster. The higher-spec version is limited to 30 units, priced at 91.9 million won ($63,000), and painted either Skyscraper Grey or Brooklyn Grey, both matched with a Mocha cabin.

If subtlety isn’t your thing, BMW also has a farewell treat for hardcore M fans. The M3 Touring receives its own special-edition treatment, finished in a flat, Audi-like Nardo Grey. It rolls on bi-color double-spoke M wheels and features an Individual leather interior in Silverstone and Black. Only 10 will be built, each costing 146 million won, or roughly $100,200. For collectors, it’s about as close as you’ll get to a swan song for this generation of the M3 in long-roof form.

Rounding out the lineup—and blowing past the 3 Series entirely—is the most expensive model of the group: an XM First Edition based on the flagship XM Label. Painted in Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue, a shade unavailable on the standard South Korean XM, the hulking plug-in hybrid SUV also gets 23-inch wheels, Shadowline exterior trim, and Night Blue Individual leather inside. Just five examples will be sold, exclusively online, at a staggering 240 million won, or about $165,000.

Taken together, these editions feel less like performance statements and more like BMW clearing its throat before turning the page. The next 3 Series may be right around the corner, but for buyers in South Korea, BMW is making sure the current generation exits with a carbon-fiber-laced flourish—and a price tag to match its rarity.

Source: BMW

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Next-Gen BMW 3 Series Preview: Engines, Design, and What to Expect in 2026

BMW’s next-generation 3 Series is inching ever closer to production, and with a November 2026 launch on the horizon, the puzzle pieces are starting to fall into place. While much of the hype centers on the Neue Klasse–inspired exterior and a high-tech interior brimming with digital wizardry, the real story lies under the hood.

Sources indicate that BMW is readying the B48TÜ3, the latest evolution of its venerable 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This unit will form the backbone of the upcoming 320, 330, and 330e models, combining efficiency and performance for everyday drivers. At the top of the lineup, a revised six-cylinder—the B58TÜ3—will power the next M350, continuing BMW’s tradition of inline-six excellence. For context, the B58TÜ3 will make its debut in the G70 7 Series LCI next July, delivering 286 horsepower and 295 lb-ft in the 735, and a hefty 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft in the 740. It’s clear this same engine will anchor the sportier M-badged 3 Series replacement.

Early spy shots from 2025 offer a tantalizing glimpse at the G50’s exterior. Even beneath heavy swirly camouflage, the Neue Klasse design language is unmistakable. The grille stretches wider, seamlessly merging with slimmer, laser-like headlights that echo the Vision Neue Klasse concept as well as the upcoming BMW i3. While these lights may still be prototype hardware, the overall shape is expected to carry over to production largely unchanged.

The hood remains long enough to accommodate the six-cylinder engine, which aligns with BMW’s confirmation that the next M3 will retain an inline-six layout. Along the sides, flush door handles and clean, minimalist surfaces signal BMW’s move toward more understated forms. At the rear, temporary taillights obscure many details, but subtle refinements and thinner lighting signatures are visible, complemented by a discreet integrated spoiler. Notably, visible exhaust tips will become increasingly rare outside of M Performance and M models, as BMW shifts toward cleaner aesthetics.

Electrification continues to shape the lineup, with the fully electric i3 (NA0) sharing the same overall silhouette as its gasoline counterpart, save for a shorter front overhang. As BMW design chief Adrian van Hooydonk noted earlier this year, distinguishing ICE from EV models will soon come down to subtle proportions rather than radical styling differences.

Production plans are already in motion: the G50 3 Series sedan is expected to be built in Dingolfing, while the NA0 i3 electric sedan and the NA1 electric wagon will roll out of Munich. Both ICE and EV variants are slated to begin production simultaneously in November 2026, marking a significant milestone in BMW’s dual-path strategy.

With a Neue Klasse aesthetic, high-tech cabin, and a refreshed engine lineup, the next-generation 3 Series promises to honor its legacy while embracing the future—sporty, efficient, and unmistakably BMW.

Source: BMW

News

Alpina B3 and D3 S

After BMW unveiled the revamped 3 Series, Alpina unveiled its two models based on a refreshed sedan and station wagon. These are the Alpina B3 petrol and D3 S diesel models, which offer better performance and visual improvements.

The Alpina D3 S is powered by a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with 350 hp (257 kW) and 538 lb-ft (730 Nm) of torque, just like the replacement model. The sedan reaches 62 mph in 4.6 seconds, while the Touring takes 0.2 seconds more to reach the same speed. Top speed is 170 mph (273 km / h) and 168 mph (270 km / h).

The car is equipped with Alpina Sport suspension with new springs, bumpers and stabilizers, and there are shock absorbers with variable control that allows changes depending on the choice of driving mode (comfort +, comfort, sport and sport +). There are also 395 mm (front) and 345 mm (rear) brake discs, combined with blue Alpina brake pliers. It is mounted on Alpina Classic 20-inch alloy wheels which are optional, while standard Alpina Dynamic 19-inch wheels. The models are available in traditional blue and green with a number of BMW and BMW Individual options.

Inside, both models are equipped with a new digital cockpit with a 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that uses the BMW Operating System 8. The Lavalina leather-wrapped sports steering wheel boasts the Alpina logo while the center console and sills feature Alpina production number plates. The floor mats are decorated with metal markings, as well as the dashboard and seats.

The Alpina B3 is powered by a more powerful version of the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder turbo petrol with 488 hp (359 kW) and 538 lb-ft (730 Nm) of torque. Compared to the standard model, power has been increased thanks to new software, Alpina turbochargers, a larger intercooler and optimized suction and cooling systems. The new model delivers 33 hp and 30 Nm more compared to the B3 that arrived before the facelift, so it’s even closer to the M3 model.

Alpina has opened orders for both models, and deliveries are expected in October. The starting price of the B3 sedan is 88,600 euros, while the B3 Touring starts at 89,900 euros. Diesel models are cheaper. The D3 S sedan costs 77,050 euros, while the Touring costs 78,450 euros.

Source: Alpina