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.

• Camouflaged prototypes lap the test tracks at BMW’s proving grounds in southern France as part of high-intensity calibration drives.
• The latest edition of the successful, iconic model undergoes an in-depth program of testing.
• Development work focuses on driving pleasure, transverse dynamics, and ride comfort.
• M Performance variant of the BMW 3 Series available with the Drift Moment for the first time.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ/Miramas – September 7, 2026… 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 tradition 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 eyecatching 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 center outside Miramas in southern France. Here, the development team can make use of myriad track types – from a high-speed oval to a handling course – as well as road surfaces of all varieties. This creates the opportunity to analyze and optimize every aspect of a vehicle’s driving behavior in detail. By the time the new BMW 3 Series arrived in Miramas, it had already completed a far-reaching and richly varied program of testing, including examination over the frozen, snow-covered expanses of the BMW winter testing center at Arjeplog and being put through its paces on a selection of race circuits. 

“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 of the car, we are building on this strength once again through the perfect interplay of chassis hardware and a continuously optimized and intelligent BMW Diving Stack. In this way, we are elevating the driving experience in the new BMW 3 Series to a new level – precise, assured and 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 finely judged control.

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 stabilization. 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 tires 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 437 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 maximizing the joy of going sideways. At the press of a button, the drive from the engine is sent only to the rear wheels. The Drift Moment will be made available during the course of 2027, unlocking a driving feeling previously reserved for high-performance models from BMW M. Together with M-typical control of the multidisc clutch and with the DSC OFF function activated, this results in a pure, emotionally engaging driving experience that turns every corner into a standout event. 

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 Diving 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 Diving 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 optimized, intelligent BMW Diving 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. Stabilization and engine management functions remain part of a carefully orchestrated ensemble of specialized control units that has been continuously developed over decades. This ensures the strengths of the relevant systems are utilized to optimum effect. Both Diving 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 optimized 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 New BMW M350 xDrive range-topping model with six-cylinder engine.

• Start of production: second half of 2026
• 3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine
• 48V mild hybrid technology
• Eight-speed BMW Steptronic transmission
• Maximum output: 437 hp
• 428 lb-ft of torque
• Acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 4.1 s 
• Top speed: 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 437 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 maximize the joy of going sideways. At the press of a button, 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.

What will happen with cars delivered before the Drift Moment is available? The Drift Moment will be made available during the course of 2027 and will then also be activated – via Remote Software Upgrade – in cars that have already been delivered. 

BMW Group in the United States

BMW Group began operations in the U.S. over 50 years ago. In addition to the sales, marketing, and distribution of BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles, BMW Group’s business in the U.S. spans 30 locations in 12 states including BMW Group Financial Services, BMW Manufacturing, Designworks, BMW Technology Office USA, and BMW i Ventures. The company’s U.S. plant in South Carolina is the largest single BMW production facility in the world and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented by a nationwide network of 355 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 37 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. Taken together, BMW Group’s business activities in the U.S. provide and support over 120,000 jobs and contribute more than $43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually. For more information about BMW Group’s business and products in the U.S., please visit: PressClub USA.

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