BMW is launching new electric vehicles one after another, with the latest being the i3, essentially an electric 3 Series.

But the company hasn’t forsaken the gasoline-powered 3 Series, the automaker’s top-selling sedan model.

The company offered a preview of the next-generation fuel-burning 3 Series.

Prototypes of the compact sedan (considered midsize in some markets) are currently going through testing. BMW said the next-gen 3 Series is entering the final phase of series production development.

Four- and six-cylinder engines remain

Like the current 3 Series, the next-gen car will have four- and six-cylinder engines available. In the new car, the engines will receive 48-volt mild-hybrid support to improve fuel efficiency.

The current 3 Series is available as the four-cylinder 330i and six-cylinder M340i in Canada, offering power outputs of 255 hp and 386 hp, respectively. All-wheel drive is standard.

The six-cylinder model appears to be headed for a big power increase and a bigger name.

BMW said what will now be called the M350 will get an updated turbocharged inline-six cylinder engine with power figures of 443 hp and 428 lb.-ft. of torque. Zero to 100 km/h will arrive in 4.1 seconds, BMW said, an improvement from the 4.3 seconds of the current M340i.

Higher performance for M350

BMW will give the M350 a standard adaptive M suspension, M Sport differential and variable sport steering.

The car’s chassis will be refined to improve sportiness, precision and comfort.

BMW said the weight distribution is nearly perfectly balanced and the updated car will have a longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks for improved dynamic performance. The braking system will be upgraded and the steering ratio adjusted for even more precise handling, BMW said.

Connected digital systems will help ensure the car behaves as it should.

Drifting made easier

The M350 will also get what’s called Drift Moment, or drift mode in regular parlance.

The feature sends all power to the rear wheels. Paired with M levels of control of the multi-disc clutch and dynamic stability control turned off, it will make it easier for drivers to get their cars going sideways.

Drift Moment will be made available sometime during 2027, BMW said, and will be activated via remote software update.

Neue Klasse elements

The fuel-burning 3 Series will take on some of the character and look of the company’s Neue Klasse of electric vehicles. This includes a similar shape and design to the i3, including a long wheelbase with short overhangs.

The interior will also be inspired by the Neue Klasse, where occupants will find the BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW’s Operating System X.

“The BMW 3 Series has set standards for driving dynamics for several decades now – and thus serves as a symbol of Sheer Driving Pleasure,” said Mihiar Ayoubi, senior vice president, driving experience development, in a news release.

“With the new generation, we are building on this strength once again through the perfect interplay of chassis hardware and a continuously optimized 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 and unmistakably BMW.”

For updates, visit the BMW Canada website.

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