BMW’s next-generation ICE 3 Series has entered the final phase of series production development, completing a last round of summer testing at the company’s Miramas proving grounds in southern France after earlier winter testing at Arjeplog and race circuit work. The new range pairs four-cylinder models with a single six-cylinder variant, all using 48V mild hybrid technology, and will be sold alongside the fully electric BMW i3 that made its design premiere in March 2026.
All versions adopt BMW’s Neue Klasse design language, including a new interpretation of the brand’s four-eyed front end, a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and what BMW describes as 2.5-box proportions. The i3 and the combustion-engined models differ only in details specific to their respective drive systems, and inside, every version gets the Panoramic iDrive display system running Operating System X. All variants also run a newly developed electronics and software architecture, with the ICE models using an optimized version of BMW’s integrated driving dynamics system and the i3 relying on its Heart of Joy central computer.
The chassis uses a double-joint spring strut front axle and a five-link rear axle, with a longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks than the outgoing car, and BMW says weight distribution between the axles is close to balanced. High-preload anti-roll bar mounts on both axles and newly developed lift-related dampers are standard, joined by an upgraded integrated braking system and a revised steering ratio. Adaptive Suspension and Adaptive M Suspension are optional, and for the first time the 3 Series can be ordered with sport tires in 245/35R20 front and 275/30R20 rear sizes.
The range-topping BMW M350 xDrive is the only variant with a six-cylinder engine, combining a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six with the 48V mild hybrid system for a combined 437 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. The M Performance model gets its own chassis tuning along with increased torsional and vertical stiffness, and the eight-speed Steptronic transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive are standard, as are adaptive M suspension, the M Sport differential, and variable sport steering. BMW quotes a provisional 0-62 mph time of 4.1 seconds and a 155 mph top speed, with production of the M350 xDrive beginning in the second half of 2026.
A new Drift Moment function appears in a 3 Series M Performance model for the first time, sending the engine’s output entirely to the rear wheels through M-style control of the multidisc clutch, with DSC switched off. BMW says the feature will roll out during 2027 and will also be activated in cars delivered before then via Remote Software Upgrade.
GalleryPhotos by BMW
