BMW has revealed key details of the new M350 xDrive. This car will replace the M340i in the next-generation 3 Series. BMW tested the car at its proving ground in Miramas, France. The M350 gets a stronger six-cylinder engine and a rear-wheel-drive drift mode. This is a first for any M Performance 3 Series.
The next-gen 3 Series has now entered its final stage of development. BMW is expected to launch it internationally by the end of 2026, with India likely to follow in 2027.
BMW M350: Engine and Performance
The M350 keeps BMW’s turbocharged inline-six B58 engine. But it now makes 443 PS (437 hp) and 580 Nm of torque. That’s about 69 hp and 80 Nm more than the M340i. Some of the extra torque comes from a 48V mild-hybrid system. It sends a small burst of electric power to the gearbox. This fills the gap before the turbo spools up.
Power goes through an 8-speed automatic gearbox and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Both are standard on the M350. BMW claims a 0-100 kph time of around 4.1 seconds. That’s 0.3 seconds quicker than the M340i. Top speed is close to 250 kph.
Drift Mode: A First for M Performance 3 Series
The M350 introduces a new Drift Moment mode. It sends most of the engine’s power to the rear wheels. Until now, this kind of mode was only available on full M cars, like the M3.
Drift Moment won’t be ready when the car launches. BMW plans to add it later through an over-the-air software update in 2027. Every M350 will get the update, including cars already with customers.
Chassis and Platform Details
The M350 uses software borrowed from BMW’s electric cars. It’s a version of BMW’s “Heart of Joy” system, adapted for a combustion engine. Since a petrol engine can’t shift power between axles as fast as an electric motor, BMW uses other tools instead. These include the brakes, the electronic xDrive clutch, and the rear differential lock. One central system controls all three in real time.
The car still uses an updated version of BMW’s older CLAR platform (internally called G50). It does not use BMW’s all-electric Neue Klasse architecture. The wheelbase and track have grown slightly, and the body is stiffer thanks to added structural bracing.
Suspension and Wheels
Regular 3 Series models get steel spring suspension as standard. This includes a double-joint strut front axle and a five-link rear axle. The M350 skips straight to adaptive M suspension as standard equipment. There is no lower-spec suspension option on this model.
Tyre sizes have also grown. Buyers can now get 245-section front tyres and 275-section rear tyres on 20-inch wheels. This is the largest tyre package BMW has ever offered on an M Performance 3 Series.
When Will the BMW M350 Launch in India?
BMW hasn’t confirmed an India launch date yet. Based on how the current 3 Series has performed here, the M350 is expected to arrive in India sometime in 2027.
Final Thoughts
The BMW M350 marks a big step for the 3 Series lineup. It brings more power, a smarter chassis, and a drift mode that was once reserved for full M cars. With testing now complete, BMW is moving toward a global launch by the end of 2026. For the latest car news, updates, and new model launches, follow Motozite for more automotive updates.
FAQs
1. What engine does the BMW M350 use?
The M350 uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six B58 engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system, producing 443 PS and 580 Nm of peak torque output.
2. Is the BMW M350 faster than the M340i?
Yes, BMW’s early figures show a 0-100 kph time of around 4.1 seconds, making the M350 roughly 0.3 seconds quicker than the outgoing M340i model.
3. Does the BMW M350 get a drift mode?
Yes, called Drift Moment, this rear-wheel-drive mode arrives via a 2027 software update, marking the first time any M Performance 3 Series gets this feature.
4. Is the new 3 Series built on BMW’s EV platform?
No, the M350 rides on an updated version of BMW’s CLAR platform rather than the all-electric Neue Klasse architecture used by BMW’s dedicated EV lineup.
5. When will the new BMW 3 Series launch?
The next-generation 3 Series is expected to launch internationally by the end of 2026, with an India launch widely anticipated to follow sometime in 2027
