BMW 3 Series ICE to Continue With Four- and Six-Cylinder Petrol Engines

BMW has officially moved the internal combustion engine version of the next-generation BMW 3 Series into its final development phase. Sold alongside the fully electric i3, the upcoming sedan will continue to offer both four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol engines equipped with 48V mild hybrid technology. The flagship M350 xDrive will feature a powerful 3.0 litre engine producing 443 horsepower and 580 Nm of torque.

The Headline Variant: M350 xDrive

The highly anticipated BMW 3 Series lineup will be crowned by the M350 xDrive model. This specific version stands out as the only model in the new range to utilize a six-cylinder powerplant. Drivers can expect thrilling performance from the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six engine paired with a 48V mild hybrid system.

BMW reports that this powertrain delivers 443 bhp and 580 Nm of torque. All this power is sent to all four wheels via a smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox. As a result, the sedan achieves a 0 to 100 kmph sprint in just 4.1 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 kmph.

Standard Performance Features

To handle this immense power, the M350 xDrive comes loaded with premium chassis upgrades. Standard features include:

• Adaptive M suspension for superior ride quality
• An M Sport differential to maximize traction
• Variable sport steering for sharp and precise cornering

The Exciting New Drift Moment Feature

One of the most unique additions to the new BMW 3 Series is a playful function called Drift Moment. Designed for driving enthusiasts, this feature allows the driver to send all engine power entirely to the rear wheels. When stability control is turned off, the system enables controlled oversteer, giving the driver a true Rear Wheel Drive experience at the push of a button.

Production Timeline and Efficiency

Production for the new internal combustion engine lineup is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026. While camouflaged prototypes are currently completing their final driving dynamics testing, the full engine lineup and exact specifications are yet to be announced. Because the cars remain in development, official WLTP fuel efficiency figures are currently unavailable.

Conclusion

The upcoming BMW 3 Series proves that traditional internal combustion engines still have a vibrant future. By integrating 48V mild hybrid technology across both four-cylinder and six-cylinder models, BMW is balancing thrilling performance with modern efficiency. Enthusiasts can look forward to the second half of 2026 when this iconic sedan finally hits the production line.