New BMW 3 Series M350 Revealed With 443hp and Drift Mode

New BMW M350 gets 443hp and 580Nm First 3 Series M Performance model to get drift mode Next-gen 3 Series expected in India in 2027

BMW has completed testing of the next-generation 3 Series based on its Neue Klasse platform, revealing key details about the new M350 xDrive performance variant. The M350 will replace the current M340i and is set to become the range-topping version of the upcoming eighth-generation 3 Series sedan.

The new performance sedan will get a more powerful six-cylinder petrol engine, mild-hybrid technology and all-wheel drive. It will also introduce a feature never before offered on a BMW 3 Series M Performance model — a dedicated drift mode.

BMW M350 Gets a More Powerful Engine

The new BMW M350 xDrive will be powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 443hp and 580Nm of torque. This is 69hp and 80Nm more than the current M340i. The engine will be paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system and an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Power will be sent to all four wheels through BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. BMW claims a provisional 0-100kmph acceleration time of 4.1 seconds, making it 0.3 seconds quicker than the current M340i. The top speed will be limited to 250kmph.

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First 3 Series M Performance With Drift Mode

One of the biggest highlights of the new M350 is its drift mode. When activated, the system can send all the engine's power to the rear wheels, allowing the driver to slide the car under controlled conditions.

This is a first for a BMW 3 Series M Performance model. Until now, BMW had kept this type of feature for its full M cars. The addition of drift mode suggests that BMW wants the M350 to offer more than just straight-line performance, while retaining the everyday usability expected from a 3 Series.

Will BMW Offer a Diesel Performance Version?

BMW has not confirmed whether the next-generation 3 Series will get a performance diesel variant similar to the current M340d. Interestingly, the new petrol model is called the M350 rather than M350i. This could suggest that BMW may be moving away from a diesel-powered performance version, although the company has not officially confirmed its plans. Other versions of the new 3 Series are expected to use four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, with both getting 48V mild-hybrid assistance.

New BMW 3 Series Gets Updated Suspension

The next-generation 3 Series will use steel suspension as standard. It will feature a double-joint spring strut front axle and a five-link rear axle. BMW will offer adaptive suspension as an option for buyers looking for a more comfortable setup, while adaptive M suspension will be available for those who prefer a stiffer and sportier driving experience. The new 3 Series will also offer sports tyres for the first time, with 245/35 R20 tyres at the front and wider 275/30 R20 tyres at the rear.

New 3 Series India Launch

BMW has completed the summer driving dynamics testing of the new Neue Klasse-based 3 Series at its Miramas test facility in France. The car has now entered the final stage of series production development. The eighth-generation BMW 3 Series is expected to go on sale internationally by the end of 2026. The new sedan is also expected to arrive in India sometime in 2027.

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