Cool as ICE, hot on the track: the new BMW 3 Series with four- and six-cylinder engines completes its final round of summer driving dynamics testing in Miramas.

The next generation of the BMW 3 Series powered by internal combustion engines (ICE) is entering the final phase of series production development. A technology-open drive system concept is a key feature of the new BMW 3 Series. Alongside the fully electric BMW i3, which celebrated its design premiere in March 2026, will be a line-up of new BMW 3 Series models with four- and six-cylinder engines*. These power units are extremely efficient and have 48V mild hybrid technology. Regardless of the drive system architecture employed, all the new BMW 3 Series models build on the success story of compact BMW sports sedans. In other words, they represent – in customary BMW style – maximum driving pleasure, sporting ability, precise handling and comfort over long-distance journeys.

All the new BMW 3 Series models also showcase the distinctively expressive Neue Klasse design. This includes a fresh, individual and unmistakable interpretation of the signature BMW four-eyed face. A long wheelbase, short overhangs and eye-catching surfaces shape the exterior appearance of all the new BMW 3 Series models. Its modern 2.5-box design reveals the hallmark proportions of a sporty BMW sedan. The fully electric BMW i3 and the other BMW 3 Series models differ only in their details, which are informed in each case by the drive system at hand. The Neue Klasse design language can also be found inside the new BMW 3 Series. The display and operating system BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X embodies a whole new form of driver orientation and user interaction.

The new BMW 3 Series is currently undergoing a final round of driving dynamics testing at the BMW Group’s test centre outside Miramas in southern France. Here, the development team can make use of myriad track types – from a high-speed oval to various handling courses – as well as road surfaces of all varieties. This creates the opportunity to analyse and optimise every aspect of a vehicle’s driving behaviour in detail. By the time the new BMW 3 Series arrived in Miramas, it had already completed a far-reaching and richly varied programme of testing, including examination over the frozen, snow-covered expanses of the BMW Group winter testing centre at Arjeplog and being put through its paces on the Nürburgring.

“The BMW 3 Series has set standards for driving dynamics for several decades now – and thus serves as a symbol of Sheer Driving Pleasure,” explains Dr Mihiar Ayoubi, Senior Vice President Driving Experience Development. “With the new generation, we are building on this strength once again through the perfect interplay of chassis hardware and a continuously optimised and intelligent BMW Driving Stack. In this way, we are elevating the driving experience in the new BMW 3 Series to a new level – precise, assured und unmistakably BMW.”

Chassis technology at a new level for the premium midsize class.

With each new generation, BMW refines the successful chassis concept behind the BMW 3 Series, fusing sporting prowess, precision and comfort at levels that have defined the premium midsize class for many years. A key ingredient in the exceptionally agile handling of the new BMW 3 Series is the almost perfectly balanced distribution of weight between the axles. It has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, and wider front and rear tracks enhance its dynamic prowess. Cutting-edge and highly connected digital driving dynamics systems ensure the car offers agile and assured driving characteristics. New features include the upgraded integrated braking system and adjustments to the steering ratio to allow even more precise vehicle handling.

The new BMW 3 Series has a double-joint spring strut front axle and a five-link rear axle, while anti-roll bar mounts with high preload on both axles improve roll control and stabilisation. The standard suspension is equipped with newly developed lift-related dampers; adaptive suspension and adaptive M suspension can be ordered as options for top-level driving dynamics and comfort. For the first time, customers can now also specify their cars with optional sports tyres in 245/35 R20 (front) and 275/30 R20 (rear) formats.

High performance is the speciality of the new BMW M350 xDrive with six-cylinder engine. Drift Moment turns up the joy dial and delivers unbeatable driving pleasure.

Serving as the dynamic figurehead for the BMW 3 Series models with internal combustion engine is the BMW M350 xDrive. This M Performance model has specific chassis tuning and further improved torsional and vertical stiffness. And it is the only variant of the new BMW 3 Series to be powered by a six-cylinder engine. The eight-speed BMW Steptronic transmission is part of standard specification, as is BMW xDrive all-wheel drive. Like the new BMW 3 Series models with four-cylinder engines, the BMW M350 xDrive features 48V mild hybrid technology. The combination of internal combustion engine and electric motor generates combined output of 326 kW/443 hp*. The BMW M350 xDrive comes as standard with adaptive M suspension, the M Sport differential and variable sport steering. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.1 seconds*.

With the new Drift Moment, the new BMW M350 xDrive brings a completely new kind of driving experience to the road – unfiltered, agile and dedicated to maximising the joy of going sideways. By activating the function via the Central Display, the drive from the engine is sent in full to the rear wheels. The Drift Moment will be made available during the course of 2027, unlocking a driving feeling hitherto the preserve of high-performance models from BMW M GmbH. Together with M-typical control of the multidisc clutch and with DSC OFF, this results in a pure, emotionally engaging driving experience.

The new Drift Moment will be made available over the course of 2027, at which point it will also be activated – via Remote Software Upgrade – in cars already delivered to customers.

For the familiar BMW driving experience: the intelligent BMW Driving Stack.

The new BMW 3 Series offers model-specific solutions and chassis and control systems tuned to the type of drive system involved. Due to the nature of the vehicle concepts that underpin them, the BMW i3 and the other BMW 3 Series models lay on contrasting and quite distinct driving experiences. All the new BMW 3 Series models have a newly developed electronics and software architecture. Leading the way technologically in every car is the BMW Driving Stack – the integrated hardware/ software system that allows the driving-relevant functions to work together cohesively and is designed to deliver unbridled driving pleasure.

In the fully electric BMW i3, the Heart of Joy central computer teams up with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control Driving Stack to shape the car’s all-new driving experience. The Heart of Joy was developed specifically for the sixth-generation fully electric drive system architecture. Meanwhile, BMW 3 Series models powered by an internal combustion engine feature an optimised, intelligent BMW Driving Stack honed precisely for this drive system type. The transverse dynamics management system bundles together all the agility-related driving functions, including the dynamic all-wheel-drive system. This means that, as with the Heart of Joy in the fully electric BMW i3, Sheer Driving Pleasure serves as a central guiding principle for the ICE cars’ driving dynamics as well. Stabilisation and engine management functions remain part of a carefully orchestrated ensemble of specialised control units that has been continuously developed over decades. This ensures the strengths of the relevant systems are utilised to optimum effect. Both Driving Stacks are tailored, high-end solutions that play a crucial role in delivering the driving experience for which BMWs are renowned. All future variants of the new BMW 3 Series are therefore set to benefit from an intelligent, high-performance driving dynamics management system optimised for the drive system specified.

In the new BMW 3 Series, BMW EfficientDynamics ensures that all the car’s components and systems are set up for maximum efficiency – from the powertrain via the aerodynamics to the vehicle electronics. These measures include the efficient 48V vehicle electrical system, My Mode Efficient for improved efficiency and a longer range, active air-flap control and the Efficiency Coach, which uses proactive tips for efficient driving to encourage the driver to adopt an energy-saving style at the wheel.

New BMW M350 xDrive range-topping model with six-cylinder engine *.

- Start of production: second half of 2026 - 3.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine - 48V mild hybrid technology - Eight-speed BMW Steptronic transmission - Maximum output: 326 kW/443 hp - 580 Nm (428 lb-ft) of torque - Acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 4.1 s - Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
- BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive

At a glance: Q&A on the new BMW 3 Series with internal combustion engine.

Is the new BMW 3 Series available with a six-cylinder engine?
Yes, the range-topping BMW M350 xDrive has a 3.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine developing 326 kW/443 hp*.

How quickly does the new BMW M350 xDrive accelerate?
It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.1 seconds*.

What is the new Drift Moment in the BMW M350 xDrive?
The Drift Moment has been conceived to maximise the joy of going sideways. By activating the function via the Central Display, the drive from the engine is sent to the rear wheels in full. The Drift Moment will be made available during the course of 2027.

*As this is a development-phase prototype, the figures given are provisional. Fuel consumption information as per WLTP is not yet available

CO2 EMISSIONS & CONSUMPTION.

As this is a development-phase prototype, the figures given are provisional. Fuel consumption information as per WLTP is not yet available.