2026 or 2027 BMW 3 Series: which should Arlington buyers choose?

Choose the 2026 BMW 3 Series if you want the current generation in hand now, and the 2027 for the redesigned generation, if you can order or wait for it. BMW of Arlington, the BMW store inside Arlington, lets you reserve an incoming vehicle or place a custom factory order.

The choice comes down to timing, price and the new cabin features. Each trim’s figures are set out below, using BMW’s own numbers.

Keep reading below, then schedule a test drive in Arlington. Bringing your own numbers to the lot settles this faster than any spec sheet.

Buy the 2026 3 Series now or order the 2027 at BMW of Arlington

Buy the 2026 if you need a 3 Series now. Order the 2027 if you can wait for the redesign and want its new cabin features.

The 2026 330i sedan starts at $48,000 with 255 hp. The 330i xDrive starts at $50,000. The M340i starts at $62,300 with 386 hp, and the M340i xDrive starts at $64,300. These are BMW’s starting prices for the 2026 model year.

If you want the 2027, shoppers at BMW of Arlington can reserve an incoming vehicle from the inventory listing or place a custom factory order.

How much more does the 2027 BMW 3 Series cost than the 2026?

The 2027 330 xDrive has a $51,900 base price (BMW Group Newsroom, 2026).

Set those against the 2026 line. The 2026 330i started at $48,000, the 2026 330i xDrive at $50,000, and the 2026 M340i xDrive at $64,300. Compare the trim you want in each year. Do not stop at the lowest number on the sheet.

Do you need the six-cylinder 3 Series, or is the base engine enough?

The 330i uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The M340i uses a 3.0-liter six-cylinder with 386 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque.

For a commute and everyday errands, the four-cylinder 330i covers the job. The 2026 330i xDrive reaches 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds (BMW USA, 2026).

If you want more punch, the 2026 M340i makes 386 hp. The 2027 M350 xDrive makes 437 hp (BMW, 2027), the most of any 3 Series in this comparison.

What does the 2027 BMW 3 Series add over the 2026?

The 2027 adds a larger central screen, a new steering wheel and a voice assistant with more natural conversation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is standard on the new 3 Series (BMW Group Newsroom, 2026).

The steering wheel changes too. “For the first time in a BMW 3 Series, the steering wheel features a central spoke in its upper section and pronounced thumb rests.” (BMW Group Newsroom Americas, 2026)

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant uses large language model technology, which supports more natural spoken dialogue and access to outside knowledge bases (BMW Group Newsroom Americas, 2026). If you use voice controls every day, these are the changes that show up in the cabin.

Which 2026 and 2027 3 Series trims have xDrive and what EPA rating?

The 2026 xDrive trims are the 330i xDrive and the M340i xDrive. The 2027 xDrive trims are the 330 xDrive and the M350 xDrive.

EPA certification for the 2026 330i xDrive is 26 city, 34 highway and 29 combined. The 2026 M340i xDrive is certified at 26 city, 33 highway and 29 combined. Both are hybrids. The rear-wheel 2026 330i is certified at 28 city, 35 highway and 31 combined, the best combined figure of the four 2026 trims.

The combined number is weighted 55% city and 45% highway (40 CFR part 600, subpart D). The result is the weighted blend of the two numbers, not either one alone.

The 2027 M350 xDrive gets standard all-wheel drive.

Which 2026 or 2027 BMW 3 Series trim fits what you need?

Pick the 330i if the lowest starting price matters most. Pick an xDrive if you want all-wheel drive. Pick the M340i or the M350 xDrive if you want six-cylinder power.

BMW’s published starting prices and horsepower for each trim:

If you want all-wheel drive with the same 255 hp, the 2026 330i xDrive gives you that output at $50,000. The 2027 330 xDrive makes the same 255 hp and starts at $51,900.

When is the 2026 or the 2027 3 Series the wrong choice?

The 2027 is the wrong choice if you need a car before a reserved or factory-ordered 2027 can arrive.

In that case, the 2026 is the one to choose. It is the current generation, and the 2026 330i starts at $48,000.

The 2026 is also the wrong choice if the 2027 cabin features matter to you. The larger screen, the new steering wheel and the voice assistant come with the 2027.

Reserving an incoming vehicle or placing a custom factory order is how you secure a 2027 at BMW of Arlington.

FAQ

How does the 3 Series compare with the 4 Series for a daily driver?

The 3 Series sedan is the four-door choice, and the 330i starts at $48,000 with 255 hp and seats five. The 4 Series 430i Gran Coupe starts at $51,200 with 255 hp and also seats five. The 4 Series coupe and convertible seat four, so they suit fewer passengers.

Should I choose the 3 Series or the i4 if I want an electric BMW?

The i4 is BMW’s electric model, and the 3 Series in this comparison is rated as a hybrid. The i4 eDrive40 is rated at 118 MPGe combined (fueleconomy.gov, 2026) and 333 miles of total range (fueleconomy.gov, 2026). It starts at $57,900.

If electric is the goal, choose the i4. If you want a hybrid 3 Series, the 330i starts at $48,000.

What is the difference between the 3 Series and the M3?

The 3 Series is the everyday sedan line, and the M3 is the performance model above it. The M3 Sedan starts at $79,300 with 473 hp. The M3 Competition xDrive Sedan starts at $88,600 with 523 hp.

The 3 Series M340i xDrive starts at $64,300 with 386 hp, so the M3 is the step up for more power.

How do I trade in my current car when I buy a 3 Series in Arlington?

You can visit BMW of Arlington with or without an appointment to trade in your current car. BMW’s own Buy Online program says a trade-in offer is valid for 7 days (BMW Buy Online Frequently Asked Questions).

Ask for the trade-in value before you finalize the deal, so the offer and the new car price are on the same page.

Does BMW of Arlington offer leases and financing on new BMWs?

Yes. BMW of Arlington provides leasing and financing on new BMWs, and it also provides loans on pre-owned cars. Choose the way to pay that fits your budget.

What new-vehicle warranty comes with a 3 Series?

BMW lists a 4 year/50,000-mile BMW New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty for the whole 3 Series line. It is not set by trim, so the same warranty covers the 330i and the M340i.

What taxes and fees apply when buying a new BMW in Texas?

In Texas, the motor vehicle sales tax is 6.25% of the sales price after any trade-in allowance is subtracted (Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, 2026). A trade-in lowers the amount the tax is figured on.

The annual registration fee for a passenger vehicle of 6,000 lbs or less is $50.75 (Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, 2025), plus applicable county fees.

Where can I test drive a 3 Series in Arlington, and what are the store’s hours?

Visit BMW of Arlington at 1105 E Lamar Blvd, Arlington, TX 76011. The sales department is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and it is closed Sunday.

Bring the 3 Series models and the questions you want to compare.

Why Arlington buyers choose BMW of Arlington for a new 3 Series

We have a 4.5-star rating across 5,810 Google reviews, and 83 in 100 of them are five-star. We are part of Group 1 Automotive, and we are an authorized BMW M Certified Dealer. Our staff take part in annual M training.

Customers describe the visit in their own words. In a July 2026 Google review, Chris J. wrote: “Jeffrey was informative and accommodating. Great experience!”

In a September 2026 Google review, Cindy M. wrote: “Reesh Ismail in the Service department was excellent. He was a pleasure to work with And kept me informed. A big 5 star rating.”

Between leasing, new BMW financing and pre-owned car loans, you can choose how you pay for the 2026 or the 2027 3 Series.

BMW of Arlington answers this question against the specific vehicle in front of you rather than the model in general. Value your trade and get pre-approved online, then see us at our Arlington showroom, or call 817-968-1153.

Disclaimer: Vehicle features, specifications, pricing, options, and availability may vary based on production timelines and dealership inventory; images are for illustrative purposes only. Starting MSRP figures are national and exclude destination freight charges, tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Standard and available equipment varies by trim, configuration, and model year; confirm the specification of the individual vehicle before purchase. Maximum towing and payload ratings depend on cab, bed, drivetrain, and equipment configuration; see the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual and trailering guide for limits. Electric range and charging times vary with battery, configuration, temperature, terrain, load, and driving habits. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Financing and pre-approval are subject to credit approval. Contact BMW of Arlington for complete details regarding current vehicle inventory, pricing, and equipment.