Final Round of Testing Nears Completion for the New BMW 3 Series
The next BMW 3 Series, including the M350 xDrive, completes high-intensity testing in southern France, featuring new chassis tech & a 48V hybrid system…
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. Before arriving in Miramas, the BMW 3 Series had already completed a varied program of testing, including at the frozen, snow-covered expanses of BMW’s winter testing center at Arjeplog, as well as being put through its paces on a selection of race circuits, company officials said in a press release.
With this testing, 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, whose design premiered in March 2026, there will be a lineup of new BMW 3 Series models with four- and six-cylinder engines. These efficient power units will have 48V mild hybrid technology.
All the new BMW 3 Series models build on the tradition of compact BMW sports sedans and feature the Neue Klasse design. This includes a fresh interpretation of the signature BMW four-eyed face, the release noted. 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, embody a new form of driver orientation and user interaction.
“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 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.”
A New Level Chassis Technology
With each new generation, BMW refines the chassis of the BMW 3 Series. A key ingredient is the almost perfectly balanced distribution of weight between the axles, the release notes. The new BMW 3 Series has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, and wider front and rear tracks to enhance its dynamic capabilities. Connected digital driving dynamics systems ensure 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.
The New BMW M350 xDrive & Drift Moment
Serving as the dynamic figurehead for the BMW 3 Series models with internal combustion engines is the BMW M350 xDrive. This M Performance model has specific chassis tuning and further improved torsional and vertical stiffness. It is the only variant of the new BMW 3 Series to be powered by a six-cylinder engine. The 8-speed BMW Steptronic transmission is part of the 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 the 3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine and electric motor generates a combined output of 437 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque with a top speed of 155 mph. 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, drivers can experience the thrill of driving sideways with the new BMW M350 xDrive. At the press of a button, the drive from the engine is sent only to the rear wheels. Together with M-typical control of the multi-disc clutch and with the DSC OFF function activated, every corner turns into a standout event, the company said. The Drift Moment will be made available during 2027, unlocking a feature previously reserved for high-performance models from BMW M.
The Intelligent BMW Driving Stack
All the new BMW 3 Series models have a newly developed electronics and software architecture, offering model-specific solutions and chassis and control systems tuned to the type of drive system involved. Leading the way technologically in every car is the BMW Driving Stack, the integrated hardware/ software system that allows the driving-relevant functions to work together cohesively.
In the new BMW 3 Series, BMW EfficientDynamics ensures that all the car’s components and systems are set up for maximum efficiency. Production is expected to start sometime in the second half of 2026.
