BMW 3 Series unveiled: Check prices

BMW has unveiled the new 3 Series, its eighth-generation sedan, with a fully electric i3 that promises up to 912 km of range and a petrol M350 xDrive that goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds.The range is built on the carmaker's Neue Klasse technology. Two electric models and petrol variants with 48V mild-hybrid technology are available at launch. A plug-in hybrid will follow over the coming year.Electric i3 targets range and fast chargingThe i3 50 xDrive makes 345 kW (469 hp) and goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. Its 108.7 kWh battery gives a maximum WLTP range of 912 km. With DC charging of up to 400 kW, it can add up to 423 km of range in ten minutes, BMW said.Also read: CAFE III fuel efficiency norms notified for cars: 3x credit for battery EVs, no special benefit for small carsThe i3 40 xDrive makes 275 kW (374 hp) and has an 82.8 kWh battery with a maximum range of 710 km. A more powerful i3 M60 xDrive is planned for 2027.M350 xDrive leads the petrol rangeThe M350 xDrive has a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid assistance, producing 443 hp (326 kW). Top speed is limited to 250 km/h. It also debuts Drift Moment, a mode activated through the central display that sends power to the rear wheels only. Two four-cylinder petrol variants are also available at launch.Price in GermanyThe i3 First Edition has been on offer in Germany since June at €75,340. The standard i3 50 xDrive starts at €65,900, with orders opening at the end of September. BMW has not announced pricing or a launch timeline for India.Key featuresHeart of Joy: A new computer, ten times faster than earlier systems, runs the drive and driving dynamics functions from a single control unit in the i3.Cabin: Panoramic iDrive combines a Panoramic Vision display, a 17.9-inch central display and an optional 3D Head-Up Display. The assistant integrates Amazon Alexa+ AI technology.Driving aids: The Motorway Assistant allows hands-free driving up to 130 km/h in 21 countries. Urban assisted driving follows from 2027.Suspension: Adaptive M suspension is standard on the M350 xDrive and optional on the all-wheel-drive i3.Design: The 2.5-box sedan shape has flush door handles and M Yellow Lights on M Performance models. Wheels range from 18 to 21 inches, and the exclusive M Le Castellet Blue paint is on offer.Also read: Mass market automakers gaining ground in the premium segment; Mercedes, BMW work out different strategies to drive growthWhere it will be builtThe i3 is built at Plant Munich, which goes fully electric from next year. Petrol models are made at Plant Dingolfing, and batteries come from the new Irlbach-Straßkirchen plant. BMW is investing around €2 billion in German production of the new 3 Series, it said in a separate release.Consumption and emissions (WLTP, German market)i3 50 xDrive: 18.0 to 13.4 kWh/100 km, 0 g/km CO2i3 40 xDrive: 17.9 to 14.3 kWh/100 km, 0 g/km CO2M350 xDrive: 8.2 l/100 km, 187 g/km CO2BMW said equipment and consumption figures refer to the German market and may vary elsewhere.