BMW is putting the finishing touches to the next generation of its 3 Series, with the combustion-engined models entering the final phase of development ahead of production starting in the second half of 2026.
While the fully electric BMW i3 represents one side of BMW’s future 3 Series family, the German manufacturer is continuing to offer petrol-powered alternatives. The new generation will include four- and six-cylinder engines equipped with 48V mild-hybrid technology, topped by a new 443hp BMW M350 xDrive.
BMW says its approach is deliberately technology-open, allowing the new 3 Series to accommodate different powertrain architectures while retaining the driving characteristics that have defined the model for decades.
Neue Klasse design comes to the 3 Series
Regardless of what powers them, the new 3 Series models will adopt BMW’s Neue Klasse design language.
That means a fresh interpretation of the traditional BMW four-eyed front-end treatment, combined with a long wheelbase, short overhangs and cleaner exterior surfacing.
BMW describes the new car as having a modern 2.5-box design, retaining the familiar proportions of a sporting saloon rather than radically changing the 3 Series formula.
The electric i3 and combustion-engined 3 Series will share their basic design direction, with the main visual differences dictated by their respective powertrains.
Neue Klasse thinking continues inside, where BMW Panoramic iDrive and BMW Operating System X introduce the company’s latest approach to displays, controls and driver interaction.
Final testing underway in France
Development has now reached BMW Group’s test centre near Miramas in southern France, where engineers are carrying out the final stages of driving dynamics testing.
The facility provides everything from a high-speed oval and handling circuits to a variety of road surfaces, allowing engineers to fine-tune individual aspects of the car’s behaviour.
The latest programme follows extensive testing elsewhere, including winter development at BMW’s Arjeplog facility and high-performance evaluation at the Nürburgring.
Dr Mihiar Ayoubi, Senior Vice President Driving Experience Development, said the 3 Series had set benchmarks for driving dynamics for several decades.
He added that the latest generation combines new chassis hardware with BMW’s continuously developed Driving Stack to create a driving experience intended to be precise, assured and unmistakably BMW.
Different powertrains, different driving characteristics
One of the most significant technical developments is BMW’s new electronics and software architecture.
At its heart is what the company calls the BMW Driving Stack – an integrated combination of hardware and software responsible for coordinating the vehicle’s driving-related functions.
However, the system isn’t identical across the range.
The fully electric BMW i3 uses BMW’s Heart of Joy central computer alongside its Dynamic Performance Control Driving Stack. Heart of Joy has been developed specifically around BMW’s sixth-generation electric powertrain architecture.
Combustion-engined 3 Series models receive a different version of the technology, optimised specifically for their powertrains.
Its transverse dynamics management system brings together agility-related functions, including the operation of BMW’s dynamic all-wheel-drive system, while engine management and vehicle stabilisation continue to use specialised control units.
The objective is to ensure that both electric and combustion-engined versions retain their own characteristics while delivering the handling precision expected of a 3 Series.
Efficiency remains a priority
BMW EfficientDynamics technology will also play an important role across the new range.
On the combustion-engined cars, the package includes a 48V electrical system, while aerodynamic improvements include active air-flap control.
Drivers will also have access to My Mode Efficient, designed to improve energy efficiency and extend driving range, along with an Efficiency Coach that provides proactive advice intended to encourage more economical driving.
BMW M350 xDrive: 443hp six-cylinder flagship
At the top of the combustion-engined range will sit the new BMW M350 xDrive.
Its 3.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo straight-six engine is supported by 48V mild-hybrid technology and sends power through an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
Maximum output is 443hp (326kW), accompanied by 580Nm of torque.
BMW claims the M350 xDrive will accelerate from 0–62mph in 4.1 seconds, with top speed limited to 155mph.
BMW M350 xDrive – key specifications
| Specification | BMW M350 xDrive |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo straight-six |
| Electrification | 48V mild hybrid |
| Maximum power | 443hp / 326kW |
| Maximum torque | 580Nm |
| Transmission | Eight-speed Steptronic |
| Drivetrain | BMW xDrive all-wheel drive |
| 0–62mph | 4.1 seconds |
| Top speed | 155mph |
| Production | Second half of 2026 |
Motoring Echo Verdict
The arrival of a new BMW 3 Series with petrol engines is significant at a time when much of the industry’s attention is understandably focused on fully electric cars.
BMW isn’t simply keeping the combustion-engined 3 Series alive, either. The introduction of Neue Klasse styling, new electronic architecture, mild-hybrid technology and an intelligent Driving Stack suggests the petrol models will form a fully developed branch of the next-generation family rather than being treated as a legacy alternative to the electric i3.
For enthusiasts, the M350 xDrive is likely to attract most attention. A 443hp straight-six, all-wheel drive and a 4.1-second 0–62mph time provide reassuring evidence that electrification hasn’t brought the traditional sporting 3 Series formula to an end just yet.
With final chassis development now underway, the bigger question will be whether BMW can combine all this new software and technology with the simplicity, balance and driver involvement that made the 3 Series such an important sports saloon in the first place.
