BMW’s new 3 Series starts at 49,900 euros in Germany and can reach 101,655 euros fully loaded, according to the company’s configurator.

The entry-level 318, with a 2.0-litre petrol engine making 154 hp, is the cheapest version. A fully optioned car costs nearly as much as an M3 Competition.

The electric i3 40 xDrive starts at 59,900 euros, while the i3 50 xDrive begins at 65,900 euros. The i3 50 offers up to 912 km of WLTP range from a 108.7 kWh battery.

The petrol M350 xDrive flagship starts at 80,900 euros. It makes 443 hp and reaches 100 kmph in 4.1 seconds, with a new drift mode that sends all power to the rear wheels.

The new 3 Series is the second model on BMW’s Neue Klasse platform after the iX3. It includes an 800-volt architecture and 400 kW fast charging.

Production is split between Germany. The electric i3 is built at BMW’s Munich plant, while combustion models come from Dingolfing.

Orders opened on September 30. BMW calls the 3 Series essential because it takes the company’s best-selling sedan into the electric era.