2026 BMW 3 Series

The 3 Series is BMW’s compact sedan, and it's cultivated a reputation for being a driver’s car with luxury leanings since it was introduced in the mid-1970s. Even base trims are known for their responsiveness and driver connection, while pricier models, including the iconic M3, offer sports car-like performance in a four-door package. The current 3 Series has been on sale for seven years, and while a mid-generation refresh helped give it a new lease on life, it's still fairly old by the standards of this class. A new 3 Series is on the horizon, but we believe that it'll be another year before it debuts.

Edmunds spotlight: A new 3 Series is on the way

A new 3 Series is expected soon (we think it'll debut for the 2027 model year), and we’ve already seen a few disguised versions on the road in Europe. Spy shots reveal a sedan with blockier proportions and a tall waistline. We don't know anything for certain at this point, but the next 3 Series is rumored to be heavily inspired by the Neue Klasse Concept that BMW created a couple of years ago. We anticipate the current turbocharged four-cylinder and six-cylinder powertrains will return in some form, and we'd place a bet on a hybrid coming back to the fold. A full EV is also in the cards and could resurrect the dormant i3 name.

Competitors to consider

The 3 Series' longstanding competitor is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which is traditionally less focused on sportiness and leans more into its luxury roots. Audi’s A5 replaces the A4 sedan in 2026, making it the 3 Series’ new direct competitor from Audi. Other considerations include the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (also a sedan) and Lexus IS.

The 3 Series is due for a redesign, but we're not sure if the next-gen version will debut for 2026 or 2027. In either case, if you like the current model and don't need cutting-edge tech, now would be a good time to visit your local BMW dealer.