The eighth-generation BMW 3 Series (G50) has just been revealed with a dramatic new look, upgraded powertrains, and a completely overhauled interior. Soon, the seventh-generation 3 Series (G20) will be gone, but are American customers ready to say goodbye to the classic sedan? The latest sales figures tell an interesting story, as the G20 has posted significant gains for the third quarter and the year as a whole. As one of the last BMW sedans on sale before the Neue Klasse era takes over, customers are showing just how much they still love the G20.
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BMW 3 Series Sales See Big Jump In Q3
BMW
In Q3 2026, BMW sold 11,256 examples of the 3 Series sedan, a 46.4% increase over the same quarter a year ago. For the year so far, 3 Series sales have now reached 29,987 vehicles, a year-on-year jump of 37.3%.
The 3 Series’ growth this year has outpaced every other BMW, including the brand’s popular SUV range. That includes the X3 and X5, which remain the top-selling BMW models in 2026, with each selling over 60,000 units. Other BMW sedans have seen declines this year, including the 5 Series (-12%) and 7 Series (-9.5%). That’s despite the fact that the 5 Series is much newer, while the 7 Series recently underwent a major facelift.
“We enter the fourth quarter in a strong position with good momentum, an exciting product portfolio, and the continued support of our dedicated dealer partners,” said Sebastian Mackensen, President & CEO, BMW of North America. “Response to the Neue Klasse has been very encouraging, and with even more new models arriving in the months ahead, we are confident we can carry this momentum through the end of the year and into 2027.”
Why The G20 3 Series Is Still A Great Buy
BMW
While the G50 3 Series has made a strong statement with its bold new look, the G20 adheres more closely to traditional BMW design hallmarks like the clearly defined kidney grilles and C-pillar Hofmeister kink.
In the cabin, the G20 still has a dedicated instrument cluster ahead of the driver and a few physical controls, including the iDrive rotary dial. The G50 has gone in a completely different direction. Most functions are controlled via a central touchscreen, and driver information is now displayed at the base of the windshield. It’s not necessarily bad, but it has moved away from the more intimate driver’s cockpit that had defined the 3 Series for decades.
2026 BMW 3 Series
BMW
The 2026 G20 3 Series is available with two spirited powertrains, starting with the 255-horsepower 330i at $48,000, which is $1,900 less than the new model. The hot M340i uses a turbocharged six-cylinder mill with 386 hp. Yes, the G50 M350 is quicker and more powerful, but it lacks a dedicated rear-wheel-drive variant, as every M350 has standard all-wheel drive.
Buyers who appreciate the classic sedan body style and more traditional cabin will find that the G20 still delivers. It’s a car that feels like the last of an era, much like the E46 3 Series, the last one with a full lineup of naturally-aspirated engines (the E90 introduced the turbocharged 335i) and a fully analog control interface (prior to iDrive).
The sales figures suggest many BMW fans have rushed to buy a G20 before it sails off into the sunset. It’s a sedan that will be sorely missed.
Related: Exploring 50 Years of the BMW 3 Series
