BMW prices ICE 3 Series, i3 EV for Australia

BMW Australia will use its substantially revised eight-generation petrol 3 Series, and genuinely all-new electric i3, to double down on a long-running ‘Power of Choice’ strategy, launching the combustion and BEV sedans side-by-side locally in the first quarter of 2027.

Known as ‘G50’, the latest combustion 3 Series made its global debut this week to join the ‘NA0’ i3 that was revealed in March this year, giving BMW a visually aligned midsize sedan family offering both ICE and BEV power for the first time in Australia.

It’s a transition for the 3 Series that has been greatly anticipated, with BMW having unified its X1, X3, X5 and 5 Series lineups with broad fuel-type choices in recent years.

But there are differences. The ‘G50’ retains its predecessor’s Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform, albeit with its new zonal electrical architecture borrowed from the i3’s clean-sheet Neue Klasse (NK) architecture sourced from the new iX3.

Pricing also goes in different directions.

The entry point is the 155kW/330Nm 2.0-litre turbo ‘four 320, which lowers 3er cost-of-entry to $83,900 plus on-road costs (-$12,400 vs the outgoing 190kW 330i), while the ‘Bahn-storming 326kW/580Nm M350 xDrive is $128,900 + ORCs (+$9900 vs a 280kW M340i).

Meanwhile, pricing for the i3 BEV moves into more explicitly premium territory compared to the $89K i4 Gran Coupe that it indirectly replaces. The dual-motor 275kW/520Nm i3 40 xDrive opens at $96,900 + ORCs and the bigger-battery 345kW/645Nm 50 xDrive asks $16K more, at $112,900.

That marks a pivot for BMW, which had deliberately repositioned the i4 beneath the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold to make its first ‘3 Series-like’ BEV eligible for the federal Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption, which saw i4 sales volume jump from 353 units in 2023 to 2062 in 2024 when the base grade came online.

At launch, the i3 will not repeat the i4 eDrive35 formula, as the 2026-27 LCT threshold remains $91,661. The move will test how much demand BMW can sustain for more capable, longer-range electric sedans without the favourable tax treatment that helped to broaden the i4’s appeal.

The shift comes as Australia’s premium medium sedan segment contracts. In its latter years, sales of the outgoing ‘G20’ 3 Series fell from 3147 in 2023 to 2472 (2024) and 1877 (2025). Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A5 volumes have also fallen, while interest in the Tesla Model 3 has also dropped away from its peaks.

Still, dedicated buyers remain in this space, and the 3 Series and i4 partnership has easily secured class leadership in recent times. To the end of August this year, BMW has delivered 1051 3 Series and 603 i4 units, and it will hope the rejuvenation of the badge pumps those numbers further.

Specification-wise, the rear-drive 320 model gains 48-volt hybrid assistance and includes M Sport styling and brakes, adaptive dampers, 18-inch wheels, a full-length glass roof, heated/cooled front seats, 17.9-inch touchscreen, Panoramic Vision full-width display, 3D HUD and automated parking functions.

A $3500 Comfort Package adds a heated steering wheel and rear seats, plus premium harman/kardon audio and glass-applique CraftedClarity interior trim, while a $4200 M Sport Pro pack brings sport seats with tricolour seatbelts, M seatbelts, black mirrors and lip spoiler, and red brake callipers.

With a ‘330’ grade missing in action for Australia for now, it is a dramatic $45,000 lob up into the ‘B58’ 3.0-litre turbo six-cylinder M350, which adds 171kW more power, M Performance treatment, 20-inch wheels, stickier tyres, additional heated cabini elements, CraftedClarity trim and harman/kardon audio.

Meanwhile, both i3 grades have dual-motor all-wheel drive (a rear-drive i3 is conspicuously missing at this point). Standard for the BEVs is adaptive M suspension, 19-inch wheels, the panoramic roof, 3D HUD, H/K stereo, heated front and rear seats and steering wheel, and 22kW AC charging.

Where the electrics differ is power and range, with the 40 xDrive’s 82kWh pack delivering 710km (WLTP). The 50 xDrive adds 26kWh more for 28 per cent more range (a substantial 912km) while adding about 25 per cent more power.

Built exclusively for now in Germany at BMW’s Plants Munich (i3) and Dingolfing (3 Series), BMW Australia will launch all four variants simultaneously, while additional trim grades, including an i3 M60 xDrive flagship and expected i3 30 rear-driver, will come online later.

Also set to be revealed soon are the M3 performance flagship and a new-generation 3 Series Touring (G51/NA1).

2027 BMW 3 Series pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.