BMW M340i to be replaced by new M350 xDrive as next-gen 3 Series enters final testing

BMW is set to replace the M340i with the new M350 xDrive, bringing more power and a new drift mode to the next-generation 3 Series.

BMW is preparing to replace the M340i with a new M350 xDrive as the range-topping internal-combustion variant of the next-generation 3 Series. The new performance sedan is currently undergoing its final round of development and testing at BMW Group’s proving grounds in Miramas, southern France, ahead of production in the second half of 2026.

The next-generation BMW 3 Series will follow the company’s technology-open strategy, with both internal-combustion and fully electric versions offered. The electric version, called the BMW i3, made its design debut in March 2026, while the ICE-powered 3 Series will be available with four- and six-cylinder engines, all featuring 48V mild-hybrid technology.

The M350 xDrive will sit at the top of the ICE range and will be the only six-cylinder version of the new 3 Series. It gets a 3.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo inline-six engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. The powertrain produces a combined 443bhp and 580Nm of torque, with power sent through an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

BMW says the M350 xDrive will accelerate from 0-100kmph in 4.1 seconds, while its top speed will be electronically limited to 250kmph. The M Performance sedan will also come with adaptive M suspension, an M Sport differential and variable sport steering as standard.

One of the biggest talking points is a new feature called Drift Moment. Available for the first time on a BMW 3 Series M Performance model, the system is designed to make controlled rear-wheel-drive drifting easier. When activated through the central display, the system sends the engine’s drive entirely to the rear wheels. Combined with BMW’s M-specific control of the multi-plate clutch and DSC switched off, the feature is intended to deliver a more playful and tail-happy driving experience.

Drift Moment will be introduced during 2027 and will also be activated in cars that have already been delivered through a Remote Software Upgrade.

The new 3 Series has also been developed with a greater focus on handling without compromising ride comfort. BMW says the car has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, along with wider front and rear tracks. Weight distribution remains close to the ideal 50:50 balance, while a revised chassis and steering setup are claimed to improve agility and precision.

The suspension uses a double-joint spring-strut front axle and a five-link rear axle. Both axles feature anti-roll bar mounts with high preload to improve roll control and stability. The standard suspension gets newly developed lift-related dampers, while adaptive suspension and adaptive M suspension will be available as options on other variants.

For the first time, buyers will also be able to specify the new 3 Series with optional sports tyres measuring 245/35 R20 at the front and 275/30 R20 at the rear.

The new 3 Series will also receive BMW’s latest electronic and software architecture. At the heart of its driving systems is the BMW Driving Stack, which integrates various hardware and software functions responsible for driving dynamics. ICE-powered versions will receive a dedicated version of the system, including transverse dynamics management that brings together functions such as the dynamic all-wheel-drive system.

BMW says the new 3 Series has already undergone extensive testing in extreme conditions. Development cars have been evaluated at the company’s winter testing centre in Arjeplog, Sweden, on the Nrburgring and at various proving grounds before reaching the final testing stage at Miramas.

The new generation will also bring the Neue Klasse design language to the 3 Series. The exterior gets a new interpretation of BMW’s four-eyed front-end design, along with a long wheelbase, short overhangs and a more sculpted body. Despite the changes, BMW says the 2.5-box silhouette and familiar proportions of its sports sedan will remain.

Inside, the new 3 Series will adopt BMW’s Panoramic iDrive display and control system, running on BMW Operating System X. The cabin will therefore share the broader Neue Klasse technology and interface philosophy introduced across BMW’s latest-generation models.

BMW has yet to announce pricing or India-specific launch details for the M350 xDrive. However, with production of the new ICE-powered 3 Series scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026, the M350 xDrive is expected to become the new performance flagship of the petrol-powered 3 Series range, replacing the M340i.

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