BMW confirms the new 3 Series will continue to offer four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, integrating 48V mild-hybrid technology to meet emission regulations. The lineup includes various combustion engine models, including at least one diesel variant of the four-cylinder version.
The M350 xDrive, replacing the M340i, becomes the M Performance flagship. It features a 3.0T turbocharged inline-six engine with a mild-hybrid system, delivering 443 hp and 580 Nm of torque. This represents an increase of 57 hp and 80 Nm compared to previous US M Performance models.
The M350 xDrive accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds with a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h. A new 'Drift Moment' feature allows all-wheel-drive models to switch to rear-wheel drive, a capability previously exclusive to M3 models. This function will be released via OTA update next year.
The new 3 Series is built on the CLAR platform, while the i3 is based on the Neue Klasse platform. Both vehicles will share a similar exterior and interior design, featuring a minimalist cockpit with a 17.9-inch central touchscreen and a Panoramic Vision panoramic display system across the bottom of the windshield.
Production of the new 3 Series will begin later this year, while the next-generation M3 is expected to appear no earlier than 2028.
