Back in March 2026, BMW revealed the all-new i3 50 xDrive, which is the fully electric version of the German automaker’s 3 Series. Despite debuting the i3, BMW enthusiasts are still waiting for the all-new non-electric 3 Series. The wait could end soon, as the latest spy shots of the eighth-generation BMW 3 Series surfaced online.
The spy shots, courtesy of wilcoblok and cochespias1, show the all-new non-electric BMW 3 Series without camouflage, reportedly roaming in Munich. The undisguised 3 Series in the spy shots appears to be the production version, which suggests that BMW could be preparing to launch the all-new 3 Series.
However, spy photographers only captured the rear end of the alleged all-new non-electric BMW 3 Series. Based on the photos, the rear of the vehicle resembles the design of the i3 that debuted last March. The taillight design of the non-electric 3 Series has a similar finish to the i3, as it also extends to the full width of the vehicle’s rear.
The bumper also looks like it is lifted from the i3, as the non-electric BMW 3 Series also has the same angular bumper design. Adding to the similar design is the car’s rear diffuser, except that the non-electric version comes with what looks like quad exhaust pipes. The wheels shown in the spy shots are also reminiscent of the ones fitted in the i3; however, the wheels for the non-electric BMW 3 Series come with a more solid silver finish compared to the two-tone-like styling seen on the i3.
Turning to the side, the non-electric BMW 3 Series could also come with the same flush door handles. The stark difference could be on the interior. Based on the spy shots, the non-electric 3 Series could come with a black interior theme, which is a night-and-day difference to the i3’s white cabin. But this is just an initial impression, since the spy shots we’re referring to don’t reveal much of the non-electric 3 Series’ interior.
The spy shots suggest that the rear design of the i3 and the non-electric 3 Series could have the same design, except for the addition of the exhaust pipes. BMW has yet to announce as to when it will be introducing the all-new non-electric 3 Series. But with the recent spy shots, the German automaker could already be preparing the vehicle’s launch.
Autocar’s Take
Recent spy shots of the all-new non-electric 3 Series suggest that it will have a similar design to its EV cousin, which is the i3. This could also give us an idea that the front fascia of the non-electric 3 Series could look similar to the i3’s. However, let’s not jump to conclusions, but this idea could be plausible. The stark difference that we initially saw could lie in the interior. Based on the spy shots, the non-electric 3 Series could come with a black interior theme, as compared to the white cabin that we saw back in March with the i3.
