2027 BMW M350: Heat-Tested in Nevada’s Desert

As stricter emissions regulations loom, the era of large combustion engines is drawing to a close. It’s quite possible that the next iteration of the 3 Series could mark the final chapter for the inline-six engine. With the “G50” model projected to remain in production until the mid-2020s, the longevity of the B58 engine beyond 2035 appears doubtful, especially in the European market.

However, despite these looming changes, the eighth-generation 3 Series is poised to offer years of continued performance. The 3.0-liter engine, undergoing revisions to comply with Euro 7 standards, is currently being put through its paces in a near-production prototype. The M Performance variant, spotted during final testing in Nevada, is gearing up for its forthcoming debut.

The new 3 Series model, featuring a striking two-tone wheel design and quad exhaust tips, is set to shed its camouflage soon, revealing a production body that aligns closely with the design language of BMW’s latest i3 electric sedan.

The M340i Is Dead. Long Live The M350

BMW is reportedly considering rebranding the next-generation model as the M350, denoting its increased power output. The shift away from the “i” designation, a trend seen in many gasoline-powered models, reflects BMW’s focus on electric vehicles moving forward. Diesel variants will retain the “d” designation, while plug-in hybrids will continue to use the “e” suffix.

Rumors suggest that the M350 will deliver 417 horsepower, a notable increase over the current M340i’s U.S. output. The potential shift to an xDrive-only setup for the M Performance 3 Series signals a departure from rear-wheel-drive configurations, aligning with the global prevalence of all-wheel-drive systems.

No More M340d

The M350 is set to become the sole M Performance variant, as the M340d will not receive a successor. The departure of the diesel-powered sports sedan, equipped with a B57 engine, marks the end of an era with the G20 generation. While the future of the six-cylinder X3 diesel remains uncertain, the four-cylinder B47 diesel is expected to continue its presence in the lineup.

The upcoming 3 Series is unlikely to make an appearance at the Paris Motor Show in October, as BMW has adjusted its event plans. Instead, the model could debut at a standalone event or through online channels. Production of the 3 Series is slated to commence at the Dingolfing plant in November, with deliveries anticipated to begin in early 2027. The manufacturing of the 3 Series Sedan is also expected to expand to Mexico, alongside the production of the i3 electric sedan.

For those seeking a more practical alternative, a new i3 Touring model has been spotted, hinting at potential combustion engine variants in the pipeline, including the G51.

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