All-new BMW M350 xDrive earns 443hp
Latest B58-engined 3 Series gets more power, the BMW Driving Stack - and a rear-drive Drift Moment...
While the i3 is undoubtedly a hugely significant step in BMW’s ongoing electrification, the B58-shaped baby isn’t going out with the bathwater just yet. Nobody knows better than BMW about fully committing to electric too early (and calling it an i3), after all, so here’s your first look at a new M Performance 3 Series. With a straight-six and four exhaust pipes. The old ways aren’t totally done just yet, and BMW has confirmed that four- and six-cylinder engines will feature in the upcoming 3 Series.
But they will look rather more modern, that’s for sure. While still under disguise for a little while longer, it’s evident from here that i3 and M350 are going to be cut from the same Neue Klasse-branded cloth; EV and 3.0-litre cars are going to be pitched very much as stablemates rather than separate model lines. The exhaust pipes here are the giveaways; what can be seen of the lights front and rear, the glasshouse and the proportions are recognisable from the electric car.
Underneath the M350 are wider tracks and a longer wheelbase than the old G20; this being a 3 Series, there’s ‘almost perfectly balanced distribution of weight between the axle.’ Handling benefits over the previous M340i xDrive (the preceding M Performance machine) are said to come from a tweaked steering ratio, am ‘upgraded’ braking system and new dampers. For the six-cylinder machine, there’s greater torsional rigidity. An upgrade to adaptive M suspension offers ‘top level driving dynamics and comfort’, so best factor that into an order already.
Moreover, this isn’t just the old engine with a new look. BMW rates the mild hybrid M350 xDrive at 443hp, a useful uplift from the current 392, meaning 0-62mph in just 4.1 seconds. Presumably the incoming C53 Mercedes has factored into the decision to boost power, that straight six boasting almost 450hp as well. BMW isn’t promising anything yet on sound; like the X3 M50, expect IconicSounds to help in that regard.
And actually, the retention of a much loved engine might be secondary to the introduction of Drift Moment. It’s coming late in 2027 via a remote update, and promises a lot (in case the pics hadn’t suggested enough): unlike many similar oversteer modes, this one is entirely rear-wheel drive. Drift Moment ‘brings a completely new kind of driving experience to the road – unfiltered, agile and dedicated to maximising the joy of going sideways.’ Which feels awfully naughty for a new car in 2026, and all the better for it. No doubt it will come with a whole host of provisos and disclaimers when it comes to the actual production car, but anyone worried about BMW being too future focused should be heartened by a new straight-six 3 Series with an M Sport diff and rear-drive capability.
Managing all the important parts of an M350 will be the BMW Driving Stack; there’s no Heart of Joy here because there isn’t an electric powertrain. But the same ideas have underpinned the development; ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ is the aim, so the Driving Stack hardware/software system is designed to ensure everything works together smoothly for the best drive possible. Of course there’s plenty more to it than that (and expect to hear more as production approaches), but it seems safe to say that even with an Efficiency Coach, Panoramic iDrive and Operating System X, there’s still going to be plenty of 3 Series to the driving experience.
“The BMW 3 Series has set standards for driving dynamics for several decades now – and thus serves as a symbol of Sheer Driving Pleasure,” said Dr Mihiar Ayoubi, Senior VP of 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 and unmistakably BMW.”
But if that’s still not quite traditional enough, the classifieds are of course awash with B58-engined 3 Series from the past two generations, from less than £20k. Don’t forget there’ll be a Touring in time, too…
I think the new i3 looks very good, especially the M3 version.
For me, it is all about how a car sits, BMW have always nailed it. Specifically, the M3's with the wider hips.
I will say it is a shame seeing BMW continue to make cars that I like. The reason being how the price keeps climbing to the point it will never be affordable, and if it is, I wouldn't be able to justify spending that much.
With some AI assistance it looks like it could be decent. I just hope in the U.K. we get a full range, the current 3 has been hollowed out to just 3 models 320i, 330e and M340i. The first is slow, the second depreciates like a stone and the 3rd is quite expensive now (sadly).
I happened to see an E21 (being driven a little too enthusiastically!) on the roads of South London on Sunday. It really did look tiny.
It is good to see BMW still making this as well I reckon, because it would've been easy to just go "full electric" with this generation really I think.
It is good to see BMW still making this as well I reckon, because it would've been easy to just go "full electric" with this generation really I think.
It is good to see BMW still making this as well I reckon, because it would've been easy to just go "full electric" with this generation really I think.
The G80 M3 has been timed at around 3.1 sec , and my M2 rwd at 3.7 sec.. to there’s cause to expect the new ones to be properly bats
t!!!!They didn't replace it either, so I don't think BMW really believed in it either to be honest .
They've done as well as can be expected with the design given the mandated things like the high bonnet line, and the not mandated things like the fact people don't usually like fresh design (see Lee's comments on the original i3).
They've also made it a great electric car with 500 miles of (theoretical) range, AND a great petrol car with 6 cylinders and one of the finest recent engines.
The usually comments about price, weight and size aren't really that relevant aren't they? It's just how new cars are, almost every new car is larger, heavier, more expensive. I can't remember the last car that was smaller, lighter and cheaper. In fact has there been a car in the last 20 years that was all three of those things? The ND MX-5 was smaller and lighter but I don't think it was cheaper...
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