BMW has accomplished testing the next-generation (Neue Klasse-based) 3 Collection in Miramas, France, and has revealed a number of key specs for the M350 model, which can substitute the present M340i. The specs counsel that the M350 will include a stronger six-cylinder engine than the M340i and can get a drift mode, which can be a primary for any BMW 3 Collection M Efficiency mannequin.
- Will get a 443 hp, 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo-petrol engine
- 8-speed Steptronic transmission and AWD can be commonplace
Subsequent-generation BMW 3 Collection: What was revealed?
M350 will get a drift mode and can produce 69hp greater than the M340i
The M350 xDrive will function the range-topping mannequin for the upcoming eighth technology 3 Collection sedan. Will probably be powered by a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 443hp and 580Nm, 69hp and 80Nm greater than the M340i. Will probably be supplied with a 48V mild-hybrid system for barely higher effectivity, an 8-speed automated gearbox and an xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD) format.
The M350 may even get a drift mode, with all engine energy despatched to the rear wheels, a primary for any BMW 3 Collection M Efficiency mannequin. Until now, a drift mode was reserved for the full-fat M fashions. With the M350, BMW claims a provisional 0-100kph time of 4.1 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds sooner than the M340i, and a high velocity of 250kph.
Nevertheless, BMW has not indicated {that a} high-performance diesel-powered 3 Collection, much like the present M340d, is within the works. The removing of the ‘i’ suffix from the petrol-powered mannequin’s new M350 badge suggests {that a} diesel-powered efficiency variant, historically denoted by the ‘d’ suffix, might already be off the desk.
Different fashions within the 3 Collection vary can be supplied with four-cylinder engines and 48V mild-hybrid tech. These are anticipated to be up to date ‘B48’ (2.0L turbo-petrol) and ‘B47’ (2.0L diesel) powerplant variations, supplied within the outgoing mannequin.
Will get metal suspension as commonplace; adaptive suspension setups as choices
BMW has additionally revealed that the three Collection will include metal suspension as commonplace. It would get a double-joint spring strut entrance axle and a five-link rear axle. Adaptive suspension (for a extra snug trip) and adaptive M suspension (for a stiffer trip) can be supplied as choices. Sports activities tyres – 245/35 R20 on the entrance and 275/30 R20 on the rear – may even be accessible as choices on the next-generation 3 Collection for the primary time.
With the summer season driving dynamics testing accomplished in Miramas, the upcoming Neue Klasse-based 3 Collection “is coming into the ultimate section of sequence manufacturing growth”. It’s anticipated to be accessible internationally by the tip of 2026 and is predicted to be supplied in India someday in 2027.