BMW hasn’t wasted any time showing owners how they can make the new 3 Series and its electric i3 sibling look much more aggressive. The company has already previewed a collection of M Performance Parts for both sedans.
Rather than giving the two cars identical accessories, BMW has created slightly different treatments for the combustion-powered M350 and electric i3 M60. Carbon fiber features heavily on both, although each car gets a few distinctive touches of its own.
The parts don’t turn either sedan into a full-fat M car, of course. Instead, they’re factory-backed accessories aimed at buyers who want a more extroverted appearance without waiting for the inevitable aftermarket alternatives.
BMW released the first official images of the new M Performance Parts in late September. From spoilers and diffusers to wheels and carbon trim, there are already plenty of ways to make the newest 3 Series family stand out.
The Electric i3 Gets The Wilder Spoiler
The i3 M60’s most noticeable addition sits on its trunk. BMW has designed a raised carbon fiber rear spoiler with two large openings, giving the electric sedan a much more dramatic rear profile.
A new front lip echoes that design with matching openings, while carbon fiber winglets extend from the corners of the front bumper. Additional side skirts visually lower the car and give its profile a little extra aggression.
BMW has also fitted a new rear diffuser, despite the i3 naturally having no exhaust outlets to accommodate. Carbon fiber mirror caps decorated with M stripes, carbon door sill trim and M Performance wheels finish the transformation.
The M350 Gets Quad Carbon Exhaust Tips
BMW has taken a somewhat different approach with the gasoline-powered M350. Its carbon fiber rear spoiler uses a central opening bordered by raised solid sections, producing a more conventional appearance than the perforated design on the i3.
Up front, the M350 receives a piano-black lip rather than a carbon fiber unit, although BMW still uses carbon for the small bumper winglets. A bright red tow strap adds a splash of color, while new side skirts continue the changes along the flanks.
The biggest difference naturally appears at the rear. BMW can take advantage of the M350’s combustion engine by adding four carbon fiber exhaust finishers integrated into a carbon fiber diffuser.
Carbon mirror caps with M-colored stripes, carbon door sills, and silver M Performance wheels complete the package. Taken together, the additions give the M350 a noticeably busier appearance without trying to disguise what sits underneath the hood.
Availability Hasn’t Been Detailed Yet
BMW’s official images give us a clear look at many of the accessories, although the company hasn’t provided detailed global pricing or a comprehensive market-by-market availability schedule yet. Availability could therefore differ depending on where the cars are sold.
The early reveal does show how quickly BMW intends to build an accessory ecosystem around its latest sedans. It also gives buyers a factory route to customizing either powertrain rather than treating the electric i3 as the restrained alternative.
Interestingly, the i3 M60 arguably gets the more adventurous treatment of the pair. Apparently, deleting the exhaust pipes doesn’t mean BMW has to turn down the visual volume everywhere else.