BMW M340i to be replaced by new M350; next-gen details revealed

BMW has completed testing the next-generation (Neue Klasse-based) 3 Series in Miramas, France, and has revealed a few key specifications for the M350 version, which will replace the current M340i. The specifications suggest that the M350 will come with a more potent six-cylinder engine than the M340i and get a drift mode, which will be a first for any BMW 3 Series M Performance model.

1. Will get a 443hp 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo-petrol engine
2. 8-speed Steptronic transmission and AWD will be standard

Next-generation BMW 3 Series: What was revealed?

M350 will feature a drift mode and produce 69hp more than the M340i

The M350 xDrive will serve as the range-topping model for the upcoming 8th-generation 3 Series sedan. It will be powered by a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 443hp and 580Nm, 69hp and 80Nm more than the M340i. It will be offered with a 48V mild-hybrid system for slightly better efficiency, an 8-speed automatic gearbox and an xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD) layout.

The M350 will also get a drift mode, with all engine power sent to the rear wheels, a first for any BMW 3 Series M Performance model. Until now, a drift mode was reserved for the full-fat M models. With the M350, BMW claims a provisional 0-100kph time of 4.1 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds faster than the M340i, and a top speed of 250kph.

However, BMW has not indicated whether a high-performance diesel-powered 3 Series, similar to the current M340d, is in the works. The removal of the ‘i’ suffix from the petrol-powered model’s new M350 badge suggests that a diesel-powered performance variant, traditionally denoted by the ‘d’ suffix, may already be off the table.

Other models in the 3 Series range will be offered with four-cylinder engines and 48V mild-hybrid tech. These are expected to be updated ‘B48’ (2.0L turbo-petrol) and ‘B47’ (2.0L diesel) powerplant versions offered in the outgoing model.

Will get steel suspension as standard; adaptive suspension setups as options

BMW has also revealed that the 3 Series will come with steel suspension as standard. It will get a double-joint spring strut front axle and a five-link rear axle. Adaptive suspension (for a more comfortable ride) and adaptive M suspension (for a stiffer ride) will be offered as options. Sports tyres – 245/35 R20 at the front and 275/30 R20 at the rear – will also be available as options on the next-generation 3 Series for the first time.

With the summer driving dynamics testing completed in Miramas, the upcoming Neue Klasse-based 3 Series “is entering the final phase of series production development”. It is expected to be available internationally by the end of 2026 and is expected to be offered in India sometime in 2027.