BMW has advanced the development of the internal-combustion versions of the next-generation 3 Series to the final stage, and key details of the range-topping BMW M350 xDrive have been officially revealed.
The new-generation sedan, based on the Neue Klasse design philosophy, has undergone final driving dynamics testing at the Miramas test facility in France.
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The biggest highlight is the new M350 xDrive, which will replace the current M340i. It will feature a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system, while BMW is introducing a dedicated Drift Moment function for the first time in the M Performance model of the 3 Series.
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BMW M350 xDrive Specifications & Performance
The new BMW M350 xDrive will be the performance flagship of the next-generation 3 Series ICE lineup. It will be powered by a 3.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo inline-six engine paired with 48V mild-hybrid technology.
According to BMW’s development-phase figures:
| Specification | BMW M350 xDrive |
|---|---|
| Power | 443hp (combined) |
| Torque | 580Nm |
| Engine | 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six |
| Mild-Hybrid System | 48V |
| Transmission | 8-speed BMW Steptronic automatic |
| Drive System | xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) |
| 0-100kph | 4.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | 250kph |
These figures are still provisional for the development prototype. BMW has not yet released WLTP efficiency figures.
Compared to the current M340i, the M350 will have significantly higher output. Reported figures suggest a jump of around 69 hp in power and 80 Nm in torque.
Drift Mode for the first time in a BMW 3 Series M Performance Model
The most exciting feature of the M350 xDrive will be its Drift Moment.
According to BMW, the driver will be able to activate this function from the Central Display, after which the system will send engine drive to the rear wheels. With DSC off and xDrive’s specially controlled multi-plate clutch, this setup is designed for controlled oversteer/drifting.
This feature is a significant change for BMW, as this type of dedicated rear-wheel-drive drift function is coming for the first time in the 3 Series M Performance model.
Interestingly, Drift Moment will not be available immediately at launch. According to BMW, it will be activated during 2027. Cars delivered before this feature’s activation can also get the function through a remote software upgrade.
New BMW 3 Series Gets Updated Chassis
BMW has also shared details of the chassis setup of the next-generation 3 Series.
Standard suspension includes:
- Double-joint spring-strut front axle
- Five-link rear axle
- Newly developed lift-related dampers
- Improved roll control
- Revised steering ratio
Adaptive suspension and Adaptive M suspension will be optional, while Adaptive M suspension will be standard equipment on the M350 xDrive. The M350 will also receive the M Sport differential and variable sport steering.
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First Time 20-Inch Sports Tire Option
For the next-generation 3 Series, BMW will offer optional sports tires in 245/35 R20 front and 275/30 R20 rear sizing for the first time.
This setup will be designed to enhance the driving dynamics of particularly performance-oriented variants.
New Klasse Design Language
The new-generation 3 Series will adopt BMW’s Neue Klasse design language. The ICE-powered 3 Series and the fully electric i3 will share common design themes, although individual details will differ depending on the drivetrain.
The exterior will feature BMW’s updated four-eyed front-end interpretation with a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and more expressive surfaces. BMW’s new Panoramic iDrive display and operating concept will also be an important highlight in the cabin.
Four-Cylinder Engines Will Also Be Available
The BMW M350 xDrive will not be the only ICE variant. BMW will also offer four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines in the next-generation 3 Series, and 48V mild-hybrid technology will be part of the standard architecture.
Reports suggest that the updated B48 2.0-liter turbo-petrol and B47 2.0-liter diesel engines may continue in the diesel lineup.
BMW has not yet officially confirmed the next-generation M340d or any high-performance diesel variant.
Next-Gen BMW 3 Series Launch Timeline
According to BMW’s official development schedule, production of the next-generation ICE 3 Series will begin in the second half of 2026. The company describes it as being in the final series-production development phase.
The new 3 Series is expected to be available in international markets by the end of 2026, while India arrival is expected in 2027.
The exact launch timeline, specifications, and pricing of the India-spec M350 xDrive will be finalized only after confirmation from BMW India.
Auto India Daily Verdict
The BMW M350 xDrive won’t just be a Neue Klasse styling update for the next-generation 3 Series. With 443hp combined output, 580Nm torque, 4.1-second acceleration, and standard xDrive, it will be a clearly more performance-focused package than the current M340i.
But its biggest talking point is Drift Moment. Until now, BMW has limited this type of functionality to higher-performance M models, and bringing it to the M Performance 3 Series makes the M350 a genuinely interesting proposition.
If BMW India launches it with competitive positioning, the M350 xDrive could become the most exciting ICE model in the 3 Series lineup – especially for buyers who want a high-performance daily sedan without the aggression of a full M3.
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Raj Prajapati is a Senior Automotive Content Writer at AutoIndiaDaily. A B.Tech graduate in Computer Science and Engineering, he leverages over four years of experience covering Indian car and bike launches, EV tech, and market dynamics to break down complex automotive regulations into simple consumer guides. Specialising in Indian motor vehicle laws, IRDAI updates, and ownership costs, Raj translates technical auto policies into actionable advice for everyday drivers.