The Next-Gen BMW 3 Series Officially Has a Reveal DateAutoblogAnton AndresFri, September 25, 2026 at 10:55 AM UTCAdd us on GoogleAutoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Locked InAfter all the teasers, previews, and spy shots, BMW is finally ready to reveal the next-generation 3 Series. The German automaker has a date locked in, and it's set for September 30, 2026. This comes six months after its battery-powered counterpart, the i3, made its world premiere.As with any all-new 3 Series debut, this is a hugely important occasion. It's not just for BMW either, as it's safe to say that even its rivals will be taking a good look at this redesigned model. Internally known as the G50, it will eventually be joined by the G51 Touring (wagon) version down the line.What We Know so FarEven then, a fair bit has been written about the G50 3 Series. We know that it'll feature Neue Klasse philosophies inside and out. We are also aware that it will ride on a heavily-evolved version of the CLAR chassis just like the all-new X5. Think of it as a half-step towards the full Neue Klasse platform. The car is also said to carry more recyclable materials, along with more sustainable assembly methods.AdvertisementAdvertisementA recent spy shot of the car showed off its rear end, and it's a pretty significant departure from the outgoing model. It's similar to the i3, but the proportions are all different. There's the higher tail, slim tail lights, and relatively clean flanks. We did see pop-out door handles, though, and safe to say those won't be allowed in China. That said, the Hoffmeister kink is very much present.As for the interior, expect it to look similar to the i3. As BMW pushes for its Panoramic Vision layout, the traditional dash is gone as we know it. With that in mind, don't go looking for an iDrive scroll wheel inside, either.Wilcoblok/InstagramUnder the HoodSo far, the only confirmed powertrain is from the M350. It'll still be the familiar B58 engine, meaning 3.0-liters, turbocharged, and six cylinders. BMW has mentioned its power output, and it's good for 443 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. That makes it even more powerful than the E90/E92 M3 from about 20 years ago that, for reference, made 414 hp and 295 lb-ft. It'll also be paired with all-wheel drive, but for the first time ever, it'll have a dedicated rear-wheel drive mode.As for the rest of the engine choices, we should expect a mix of turbo-fours and diesels, as well as a plug-in hybrid to keep the European legislators happy. At the very least, all have mild-hybrid assistance. Familiar badges will likely remain, namely 318, 320, and 330. Per BMWBlog, this will also be the first generation that will not be offered with a manual across the board. The last manual was offered in Europe for the pre-LCI (pre-facelift) 318d. With that, the pure combustion M3 is the three-pedal enthusiast's last hope for a 3 Series-shaped car with a clutch.BMWBMWView the 4 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Sep 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.