The BMW M350 xDrive is in the final stage of dynamic testing at the Miramas centre in southern France. Photo: BMW Group.
The new BMW M350 xDrive has 443 hp and a mode that sends all power to the rear wheels
BMW has published the first technical data for the new M350 xDrive, the performance version that will sit at the top of the combustion 3 Series range. The saloon replaces the current M340i, keeps the inline six-cylinder engine and adds a function through which all-wheel drive can send all power to the rear axle.
The car is still shown in camouflage, and the figures communicated are preliminary. Production of the new combustion 3 Series generation will start in the second half of 2026. BMW has not yet announced prices or the range structure for Romania.
3.0-litre engine, 443 hp and 580 Nm
The M350 xDrive uses a 3.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engine, assisted by a 48 V mild-hybrid system. Total power reaches 326 kW, equivalent to 443 hp, and maximum torque is 580 Nm.
The eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox and xDrive all-wheel drive are standard. BMW announces 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h.
| Specification | BMW M350 xDrive |
|---|---|
| Engine | petrol, 3.0 litres, inline 6-cylinder |
| Electric system | 48 V mild-hybrid |
| Total power | 326 kW / 443 hp |
| Maximum torque | 580 Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed Steptronic automatic |
| Drive | xDrive all-wheel drive |
| 0–100 km/h | 4.1 seconds |
| Top speed | 250 km/h |
WLTP consumption and emissions are not yet available. BMW notes that the car is a prototype in the development phase, so the final homologation figures may differ.
Drift Moment temporarily turns the car into a rear-drive model
The most unusual technical novelty is the Drift Moment function. After it is activated from the central screen, the xDrive system directs all propulsion force to the rear wheels. Use also requires deactivating DSC stability control.
The function will be available during 2027. BMW says it will be activable by software update even on cars already delivered. The company has not yet explained whether the option will be standard, paid or tied to a particular pack, nor under what conditions it may be used on public roads.
The M350 comes from the factory with adaptive M suspension, an M Sport differential and variable sport steering. Chassis settings are specific to this version, and body rigidity has been increased compared with ordinary models.
A combustion 3 Series separate from the new electric i3
The new generation will continue BMW’s two-architecture strategy. The electric i3 saloon uses Neue Klasse technology, while the four- and six-cylinder 3 Series is developed separately for electrified combustion propulsion.
The two families will nevertheless look similar. BMW says Neue Klasse design will also be visible on combustion models, with a new interpretation of the front end with four lighting elements. Exterior differences will be determined mainly by the requirements of each powertrain.
The M350 will be the only combustion 3 Series version with six cylinders. The rest of the range will use four-cylinder engines, all assisted by 48 V mild-hybrid systems. Exact configurations and commercial names for Europe have not yet been presented.
Longer wheelbase and a revised chassis
Compared with the current generation, the new 3 Series has a longer wheelbase and wider tracks. The suspension keeps a double-pivot front axle and a five-link rear axle, but uses new dampers and anti-roll mounts with higher pretension.
Customers will be able to order sport tyres sized 245/35 R20 at the front and 275/30 R20 at the rear. The integrated braking system has been evolved, and the steering ratio has been recalibrated.
Dynamic control is coordinated by the new BMW Driving Stack, a hardware and software architecture that links all-wheel drive, stability control and the other functions that influence the car’s behaviour. The combustion version does not, however, use the Heart of Joy computer reserved for Neue Klasse electric models.
Panoramic iDrive and the end of the old interface
In the cabin, the 3 Series will adopt BMW Panoramic iDrive and BMW Operating System X. Important information is projected onto a surface stretched along the base of the windscreen, and the main functions are grouped on the central screen.
BMW has not yet published uncamouflaged photographs of the production interior. Equipment, materials and screen sizes may vary by market and version.
What is known about the launch in Romania
The M350 xDrive is confirmed as the peak of the new combustion range, but BMW Romania has not announced the price, the opening of orders or first deliveries. Production starting in the second half of 2026 points to a nearby commercial arrival, but the calendar may differ between markets.
The new model is not a replacement for the M3. The M350 remains an M Performance version, oriented towards daily use and positioned below the car developed fully by BMW M GmbH. The 443 hp nevertheless brings it close to figures recently reserved for an M3, and Drift Moment further blurs the difference between a fast production saloon and a model dedicated to sporting driving.
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the BMW M350 xDrive have?
Preliminary total power is 443 hp, and maximum torque reaches 580 Nm.
Does the M350 replace the BMW M340i?
Yes. The new M350 xDrive name is used for the successor to the M340i version in the 3 Series range.
Is it an electric car?
No. The M350 has a 3.0-litre petrol engine and a 48 V mild-hybrid system. The BMW i3 is the fully electric alternative.
When does production start?
BMW announces production starting in the second half of 2026. The launch date and price for Romania are not yet available.
What does the Drift Moment function do?
With DSC deactivated, the function can send all power to the rear wheels. It will become available in 2027, including via software update for cars already delivered.
