2027 BMW 3 Series: M350 xDrive Keeps the Inline-Six Alive

BMW is keeping combustion power at the top of the new 3 Series range, with the 2027 M350 xDrive combining a turbocharged inline-six, mild-hybrid technology and a new Drift Moment function.

BMW keeps the gasoline 3 Series at the heart of its lineup

The 2027 BMW 3 Series is moving into a new generation, but BMW is not abandoning the traditional formula that made the sedan one of its signature models.

The new lineup will share its Neue Klasse design language with the fully electric BMW i3. At the same time, BMW is developing a separate range of 3 Series models with four- and six-cylinder combustion engines.

For the U.S. market, the most important version is the new BMW M350 xDrive.

BMW describes it as the performance-focused flagship of the combustion-powered 3 Series range. It will be the only new 3 Series variant with a six-cylinder engine.

BMW’s official prototype shows the next-generation 3 Series during testing at Miramas.

The new M350 xDrive uses a 3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline-six with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology.

BMW’s U.S. specification lists a combined 437 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque. The car uses an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and BMW xDrive all-wheel drive.

That makes the M350 xDrive the most powerful combustion-powered member of the new 3 Series family announced so far.

The M350 xDrive is built for performance

BMW is giving the new M350 xDrive more than extra power.

The sedan receives adaptive M suspension, an M Sport differential and variable sport steering as standard. BMW has also increased torsional and vertical stiffness to sharpen the car’s response.

Performance figures are also strong.

BMW quotes 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.1 seconds and a 155 mph top speed for the M350 xDrive.

The car will also offer optional performance tires measuring 245/35 R20 at the front and 275/30 R20 at the rear.

The new 3 Series is being tested in demanding conditions as BMW completes development ahead of production.

The most unusual feature is called Drift Moment.

BMW says the system can be activated from the central display. Once enabled, the engine’s drive is sent fully to the rear wheels.

The function works with BMW’s multi-disc clutch and requires DSC to be switched off. This allows the driver to deliberately move the rear of the car under power.

This is the first time BMW is offering the feature on a 3 Series M Performance model.

Drift Moment will arrive through a software update during 2027. BMW also says vehicles delivered before its launch will be able to receive the function through a Remote Software Upgrade.

The electric i3 takes a different approach

BMW’s electric alternative is the new BMW i3 50 xDrive.

The U.S.-specification i3 uses two electric motors. Together they produce 463 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque. BMW estimates 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

That gives buyers two very different interpretations of the new 3 Series formula.

The i3 focuses on instant electric performance. The M350 xDrive retains the sound, response and character of a six-cylinder gasoline engine while adding 48-volt hybrid assistance.

The fully electric BMW i3 50 xDrive is the electric counterpart to the new combustion-powered 3 Series range.

The shared design language is important.

BMW says both the electric i3 and combustion-powered 3 Series use the new Neue Klasse exterior and interior design philosophy. That includes a new interpretation of the company’s four-eyed front end and a new interior centered around BMW Panoramic iDrive and BMW Operating System X.

The two cars are therefore visually related.

Their driving systems remain very different.

BMW is keeping the 3 Series open to multiple powertrains

The new generation is being developed around what BMW calls a technology-open drive system concept.

The company says the combustion-powered range will include four- and six-cylinder engines, all using 48-volt mild-hybrid technology.

The M350 xDrive sits at the top of that range.

BMW says production of the new M350 xDrive will begin in the second half of 2026. The latest development cars are already completing final chassis and handling tests at Miramas in France.

The new generation also features an updated electronics and software architecture called the BMW Driving Stack. It integrates multiple driving functions to coordinate the car’s chassis and control systems.

The inline-six remains BMW’s performance statement

The 2027 3 Series shows that BMW is not treating its combustion models as a secondary option.

The brand is pairing its new electric i3 with a dedicated six-cylinder M350 xDrive. The result is a lineup that offers two different approaches to performance while maintaining the identity of the 3 Series.

For U.S. buyers, the most important figure is the 437-hp M350 xDrive, which combines an inline-six engine, mild-hybrid assistance and all-wheel drive. Its new Drift Moment feature will add a more aggressive dimension in 2027 through a software upgrade.

The 2027 BMW 3 Series is therefore entering a new era without abandoning one of its most important traditions: putting a powerful inline-six at the top of the range.