Munich. The next generation of the BMW 3 Series
powered by internal combustion engines (ICE) is entering the final
phase of series production development. A technology-open drive system
concept is a key feature of the new BMW 3 Series. Alongside the fully
electric BMW i3, which celebrated its design premiere in March 2026,
will be a line-up of new BMW 3 Series models with four- and
six-cylinder engines*. These power units are extremely efficient and
have 48V mild hybrid technology. Regardless of the drive system
architecture employed, all the new BMW 3 Series models build on the
success story of compact BMW sports sedans. In other words, they
represent – in customary BMW style – maximum driving pleasure,
sporting ability, precise handling and comfort over long-distance journeys.

All the new BMW 3 Series models also showcase the distinctively
expressive Neue Klasse design. This includes a fresh, individual and
unmistakable interpretation of the signature BMW four-eyed face. A
long wheelbase, short overhangs and eye-catching surfaces shape the
exterior appearance of all the new BMW 3 Series models. Its modern
2.5-box design reveals the hallmark proportions of a sporty BMW sedan.
The fully electric BMW i3 and the other BMW 3 Series models differ
only in their details, which are informed in each case by the drive
system at hand. The Neue Klasse design language can also be found
inside the new BMW 3 Series. The display and operating system BMW
Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X embodies a whole new form
of driver orientation and user interaction.

The new BMW 3 Series is currently undergoing a final round of driving
dynamics testing at the BMW Group’s test centre outside Miramas in
southern France. Here, the development team can make use of myriad
track types – from a high-speed oval to  various handling courses – as
well as road surfaces of all varieties. This creates the opportunity
to analyse and optimise every aspect of a vehicle’s driving behaviour
in detail. By the time the new BMW 3 Series arrived in Miramas, it had
already completed a far-reaching and richly varied programme of
testing, including examination over the frozen, snow-covered expanses
of the BMW Group winter testing centre at Arjeplog and being put
through its paces on the Nürburgring.

“The BMW 3 Series has set standards for driving dynamics for several
decades now – and thus serves as a symbol of Sheer Driving Pleasure,”
explains Dr Mihiar Ayoubi, Senior Vice President Driving
Experience Development. “With the new generation, we are
building on this strength once again through the perfect interplay of
chassis hardware and a continuously optimised and intelligent BMW
Driving Stack. In this way, we are elevating the driving experience in
the new BMW 3 Series to a new level – precise, assured und
unmistakably BMW.”

Chassis technology at a new level for the premium midsize class.

With each new generation, BMW refines the successful chassis concept
behind the BMW 3 Series, fusing sporting prowess, precision and
comfort at levels that have defined the premium midsize class for many
years. A key ingredient in the exceptionally agile handling of the new
BMW 3 Series is the almost perfectly balanced distribution of weight
between the axles. It has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, and
wider front and rear tracks enhance its dynamic prowess. Cutting-edge
and highly connected digital driving dynamics systems ensure the car
offers agile and assured driving characteristics. New features include
the upgraded integrated braking system and adjustments to the steering
ratio to allow even more precise vehicle handling.

The new BMW 3 Series has a double-joint spring strut front axle and a
five-link rear axle, while anti-roll bar mounts with high preload on
both axles improve roll control and stabilisation. The standard
suspension is equipped with newly developed lift-related dampers;
adaptive suspension and adaptive M suspension can be ordered as
options for top-level driving dynamics and comfort. For the first
time, customers can now also specify their cars with optional sports
tyres in 245/35 R20 (front) and 275/30 R20 (rear) formats.

High performance is the speciality of the new BMW M350 xDrive with
six-cylinder engine. Drift Moment turns up the joy dial and delivers
unbeatable driving pleasure.

Serving as the dynamic figurehead for the BMW 3 Series models with
internal combustion engine is the BMW M350 xDrive. This M Performance
model has specific chassis tuning and further improved torsional and
vertical stiffness. And it is the only variant of the new BMW 3 Series
to be powered by a six-cylinder engine. The eight-speed BMW Steptronic
transmission is part of standard specification, as is BMW xDrive
all-wheel drive. Like the new BMW 3 Series models with four-cylinder
engines, the BMW M350 xDrive features 48V mild hybrid technology. The
combination of internal combustion engine and electric motor generates
combined output of 326 kW/443 hp*. The BMW M350 xDrive comes as
standard with adaptive M suspension, the M Sport differential and
variable sport steering. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in
4.1 seconds*.

With the new Drift Moment, the new BMW M350 xDrive brings a
completely new kind of driving experience to the road – unfiltered,
agile and dedicated to maximising the joy of going sideways. By
activating the function via the Central Display, the drive from the
engine is sent in full to the rear wheels. The Drift Moment will be
made available during the course of 2027, unlocking a driving feeling
hitherto the preserve of high-performance models from BMW M GmbH.
Together with M-typical control of the multidisc clutch and with DSC
OFF, this results in a pure, emotionally engaging driving experience.

The new Drift Moment will be made available over the course of 2027,
at which point it will also be activated – via Remote Software Upgrade
– in cars already delivered to customers.

For the familiar BMW driving experience: the intelligent BMW Driving Stack.

The new BMW 3 Series offers model-specific solutions and chassis and
control systems tuned to the type of drive system involved. Due to the
nature of the vehicle concepts that underpin them, the BMW i3 and the
other BMW 3 Series models lay on contrasting and quite distinct
driving experiences. All the new BMW 3 Series models have a newly
developed electronics and software architecture. Leading the way
technologically in every car is the BMW Driving Stack – the integrated
hardware/ software system that allows the driving-relevant functions
to work together cohesively and is designed to deliver unbridled
driving pleasure.

In the fully electric BMW i3, the Heart of Joy central computer teams
up with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control Driving Stack to shape the
car’s all-new driving experience. The Heart of Joy was developed
specifically for the sixth-generation fully electric drive system
architecture. Meanwhile, BMW 3 Series models powered by an internal
combustion engine feature an optimised, intelligent BMW Driving Stack
honed precisely for this drive system type. The transverse dynamics
management system bundles together all the agility-related driving
functions, including the dynamic all-wheel-drive system. This means
that, as with the Heart of Joy in the fully electric BMW i3, Sheer
Driving Pleasure serves as a central guiding principle for the ICE
cars’ driving dynamics as well. Stabilisation and engine management
functions remain part of a carefully orchestrated ensemble of
specialised control units that has been continuously developed over
decades. This ensures the strengths of the relevant systems are
utilised to optimum effect. Both Driving Stacks are tailored, high-end
solutions that play a crucial role in delivering the driving
experience for which BMWs are renowned. All future variants of the new
BMW 3 Series are therefore set to benefit from an intelligent,
high-performance driving dynamics management system optimised for the
drive system specified.

In the new BMW 3 Series, BMW EfficientDynamics ensures that all the
car’s components and systems are set up for maximum efficiency – from
the powertrain via the aerodynamics to the vehicle electronics. These
measures include the efficient 48V vehicle electrical system, My Mode
Efficient for improved efficiency and a longer range, active air-flap
control and the Efficiency Coach, which uses proactive tips for
efficient driving to encourage the driver to adopt an energy-saving
style at the wheel.

 

New BMW M350 xDrive range-topping model with six-cylinder engine *.

– Start of production: second half of 2026
– 3.0-litre BMW
TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine
– 48V mild hybrid
technology
– Eight-speed BMW Steptronic transmission
– Maximum
output: 326 kW/443 hp
– 580 Nm (428 lb-ft) of torque
–
Acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 4.1 s
– Top speed: 250 km/h
(155 mph)
– BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive

 

At a glance: Q&A on the new BMW 3 Series with internal
combustion engine.

Is the new BMW 3 Series available with a six-cylinder engine?
Yes, the range-topping BMW M350 xDrive has a 3.0-litre BMW
TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine developing 326 kW/443 hp*.

How quickly does the new BMW M350 xDrive accelerate?
It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.1 seconds*.

What is the new Drift Moment in the BMW M350 xDrive?

The Drift Moment has been conceived to maximise the joy of going
sideways. By activating the function via the Central Display, the
drive from the engine is sent to the rear wheels in full. The Drift
Moment will be made available during the course of 2027.

 

*As this is a development-phase prototype, the figures given are
provisional. Fuel consumption information as per WLTP is not yet available

As this is a development-phase prototype, the figures given are
provisional. Fuel consumption information as per WLTP is not yet available.