However, this shared technology doesn't apply to the metal underpinnings. While the electric i3 uses its floorpan to house battery packs, the combustion-engined 3 Series leaves plenty of room beneath the floor. Consequently, the seat brackets are mounted significantly lower, with a traditional exhaust system and propshaft running directly between them.

The new 3 Series family, internally codenamed G50, will feature four and six-cylinder engines. Every model will be equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, ensuring they are both powerful and efficient. At the top of the tree sits the 443bhp M350 xDrive – the car we’re driving here.

The M350 – note BMW is dropping the ‘i’ from its combustion cars, to help separate them from its electric cars – comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a specially tuned four-wheel-drive system. Alongside millisecond-fast, variable power distribution, drivers can select a pure rear-wheel-drive mode at the touch of a button. 

If buyers opt for the most comprehensive ‘M’ package, the driving experience is further enhanced by variable-ratio steering, large 20-inch alloy wheels with mixed tyres (245/35 R20 at the front and 275/30 R20 at the rear), uprated brakes, adaptive dampers and heavily bolstered front seats.

BMW has worked tirelessly to widen the new car's bandwidth between everyday usability and outright driving enjoyment. Upgrades include thicker anti-roll bars, a longer wheelbase, a wider track, increased caster, stiffer wishbone mounts and a highly balanced weight distribution.