BMW is preparing the next combustion-powered 3 Series for a crucial handover moment.
The sedan has entered its final driving dynamics phase in southern France, with production scheduled to begin in the second half of this year.
At the sharp end of the range, the M350 xDrive keeps the classic BMW six-cylinder formula alive while borrowing some visual energy from the brand’s new electric design language.
At a glance
- BMW has previewed the next-generation combustion 3 Series ahead of production beginning in the second half of this year.
- The M350 xDrive pairs a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six with 48V mild-hybrid assistance, all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
- Output is rated at 326 kW, with 580 Nm of torque and a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.1 seconds.
A stronger six-cylinder 3 Series
The M350 xDrive sits as the performance-focused highlight of the new combustion 3 Series line-up.
Its turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six petrol engine is supported by a 48V mild-hybrid system, with drive sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
BMW quotes 326 kW of combined output and 580 Nm of torque, figures that put the sedan firmly in modern sports-saloon territory.
The claimed 0 to 100 km/h run takes 4.1 seconds, giving the M350 xDrive the kind of pace that would have sat comfortably in M-car territory not so long ago.
Neue Klasse influence reaches the sedan
The next 3 Series won’t be a visual clean break from BMW’s electric future.
It’s set to share selected styling cues with the Neue Klasse-based electric i3, including sharper LED lighting and a reworked interpretation of the kidney grille.
At the rear, slim and wide taillights should give the car a broader stance, tying it more closely to BMW’s next design phase without turning it into an electric lookalike.
That balance matters because the 3 Series still carries much of BMW’s identity in the combustion market.
Chassis tuning enters the final stretch
BMW says the new sedan retains the outgoing car’s near-perfect weight distribution, a detail that remains central to the 3 Series character.
The company has also confirmed upgraded steering and braking systems, with the aim of making the car sharper and more precise through corners.
A longer wheelbase and wider tracks are part of the package, although full dimensions have not yet been disclosed.
Those changes suggest BMW is looking for greater stability and road presence without dulling the compact executive saloon’s traditional agility.
Details & Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
|---|---|
| Model | M350 xDrive |
| Range | Next-generation 3 Series |
| Engine | Turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six petrol |
| Hybrid system | 48V mild-hybrid assistance |
| Output | 326 kW |
| Torque | 580 Nm |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | xDrive all-wheel drive |
| Acceleration | 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds |
| Production | Scheduled to begin in the second half of this year |
The next 3 Series arrives at an interesting point for BMW, as the brand pushes hard into its Neue Klasse electric era while still refining the combustion sedan that helped define it.
If the M350 xDrive lands with the promised pace, sharper chassis tuning and measured new styling, it could become one of the more compelling bridges between BMW’s past and its next chapter.
