BMW just pulled the covers off the all-new eighth-gen 3 Series (codename G50). It gets a 437 hp M350, a first-ever electric i3 with up to 912 km claimed range, and a hybrid coming in 2027. But here's the catch for Indian buyers: none of that is on sale here yet. What you can actually buy today is the previous-gen long-wheelbase 3 Series at ₹62.7–64.2 lakh.
The global G50 3 Series: M350, electric i3, and Neue Klasse design
The new 3 Series adopts BMW’s latest “Neue Klasse” design (BMW’s new generation styling language). Flush door handles, wide wraparound tail lamps and a longer body at 4,765 mm make it look cleaner. The star petrol is the M350 xDrive with a 3.0L six-cylinder mild-hybrid (a little electric boost). It puts out 437 hp and does 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds (how fast it hits highway speed). Also joining are smaller petrol versions, the 318 (156 bhp) and 320 (211 bhp). And now there’s a fully electric i3 for the first time, culminating in the i3 50 xDrive: 469 hp, 108.7 kWh battery and up to 912 km WLTP range (a lab test that’s always higher than real driving). It supports 400 kW fast charging, adding 423 km in 10 minutes, it claims.
BMW X1 LWB
SUVWhat you can buy in India right now 330Li and 320Ld
India still gets the previous generation long-wheelbase 3 Series which is sold as the 330Li and 320Ld. India still gets the previous generation long-wheelbase 3 Series which is sold as the 330Li and 320Ld. The 330Li M Sport uses a 2.0L turbo petrol, producing 255 bhp, with rear-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic. The 330Li M Sport uses a 2.0L turbo petrol, producing 255 bhp, with rear-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic. It does 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, quick enough for confident overtaking on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. It does 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, quick enough for confident overtaking on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The 320Ld M Sport is powered by a 2.0L diesel engine with 188 bhp and 400 Nm of torque (pulling power). The 320Ld M Sport is powered by a 2.0L diesel engine with 188 bhp and 400 Nm of torque (pulling power). Both have five seats and include the BMW Curved Display and M Sport styling. Both have five seats and include the BMW Curved Display and M Sport styling. The extra wheelbase gives you more room in the back seat, so this is a sedan you’d happily be driven in. The extra wheelbase gives you more room in the back seat, so this is a sedan you’d happily be driven in.
Prices in full: 330Li vs. 320Ld. Which one for you?
Two variants, both close on price. The 330Li M Sport (petrol) costs ₹62.7 lakh ex-showroom. The 320Ld M Sport (diesel) is ₹64.2 lakh, so about ₹1.5 lakh more. On-road prices go higher once you add road tax, registration, and insurance, and that varies by state. Pick the 330Li petrol if you mostly drive in the city and want smoothness and pace. Go for the diesel 320Ld if you cover long highway miles and want better fuel economy plus that strong 400 Nm pull. For most buyers, the 330Li is the sweet spot.
Rivals: How the current 3 Series stacks up
At ₹62.7 lakh, the current 3 Series LWB isn't cheap in its set. The BYD Seal, an electric sedan, tops out at ₹53.65 lakh, so the BMW asks about ₹9 lakh more than a fully loaded Seal. The Audi A4 starts at ₹46.88 lakh, nearly ₹16 lakh below the 3 Series entry price. BMW's own 2 Series Gran Coupe (₹45.8–48.2 lakh) and the Toyota Camry hybrid (₹48.69–48.89 lakh) also sit lower. So you pay a clear premium for the 3 Series badge, the long wheelbase, and that RWD driving feel.
India launch timeline: when will the G50 arrive?
BMW has said the G50 3 Series will go on sale in global markets from early 2027. An India launch is likely but not officially confirmed, with no date, price, or variant list announced. Our own listings peg the expected 2027 3 Series in the ₹65–85 lakh band, which would be a step up from today's car. Expect the new one to reach India later in 2027 at the earliest. Whether the electric I-3 comes here or not, it is still open.
Verdict: Buy the 330Li now or wait for the G50?
The G50 looks like a big generational jump: new design, far more tech, and an electric option down the line. But it won't reach India before late 2027, and it'll likely cost more. If you want a German executive sedan right now, the current 330Li at ₹62.7 lakh remains a solid, refined buy. If you can wait a year or more and want the newest tech, hold on. Our pick from what's on sale today: the 330Li M Sport petrol, for the mix of pace, smoothness, and value.
References: BMW India — official website
