The new 3 Series range from BMW has broken cover, with the next generation to be powered by four- and six-cylinder engines paired with mild hybrid systems – and the top-of-the-tree M350 xDrive is the unmistakable hero with impressive turbo power and a new drift mode.

Internally codenamed G50, the eighth generation of the famous 3 family has been captured in official pictures while going through some testing at the company’s proving grounds in southern France during the final phase of production development. 

Camouflaged prototype car at speed on a race track, blurred background and curving road with red-and-white barriers, sunny desert surroundings.
4

While the models are pictured in a degree of camouflage, it can’t hide BMW’s Neue Klasse design language, which includes a new interpretation of the marque’s famous four-headlight face. The 3’s hallmark short overhangs remain, the wheelbase will be longer than the 2851mm found on the current range, and the overall styling is quite similar to that of the upcoming i3 electric sedan.

The new 3 Series will also have wider front and rear tracks to add to its sporty stance, plus an upgraded integrated braking system and a revised steering ratio to make handling even more precise. 

The suspension features a double-joint spring strut on the front axle and a five-link rear axle, with new lift-related dampers, and in a first for the 3 Series, customers can order optional sports tyres in 245/35 R20 (front) and 275/30 R20 (rear).

The M350 xDrive is the only next-gen 3 Series to get a six-pot engine – more on that in a minute – with the rest of the range powered by four-cylinder units that should be updated versions of the B48 petrol mills found in the current line-up. Every upcoming model will get a 48V mild-hybrid system, and there has been no confirmation about new diesel and plug-in hybrid drivetrains.

Camouflaged prototype car with white lattice wrap driving on a highway, desert hills in the background
5

In addition to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and specially tuned four-wheel drive system, the M350 gets a turbocharged in-line six with total outputs of 326kW and 580Nm for a claimed 0-100km/h time of 41. seconds. That’s a big improvement on the model it replaces, the M340i xDrive, which makes 285kW and 500Nm and takes 4.3 seconds for the 0-100 sprint.

BMW is also installing its “Drift Moment” tech in the M350. Activated via the central display, it sends all power to the rear wheels for what the manufacturer calls “a completely new kind of driving experience” that is “dedicated to maximising the joy of going sideways”.

No details or images of the interior have surfaced, but the new 3 Series family will use BMW Operating System X and the new Panoramic iDrive cabin architecture. The new cars’ close relation to the i3 and iX3 models means they should also get AI-integrated voice control.

Stay tuned to WhichCar by Wheels for details on Australian pricing and delivery timings.