BMW’s Next Inline-6 3-Series Has 443 HP and a Rear-Wheel Drive Drift Mode, But There’s a CatchRoad & TrackLucas BellTue, September 8, 2026 at 4:13 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleBMW's New M350 xDrive Packs 443 HP and Drift ModebmwEver since its arrival in 1975, the BMW 3-Series has represented the very heart of the luxury sport sedan segment. Now that the eighth-generation model is slated to arrive for 2027, fans have been patiently waiting for more details about the upcoming Neue Klasse offerings beyond the all-electric i3. Well, as BMW starts to wrap up its testing on the internal combustion-powered variants, the automaker is finally ready to share some details on the range-topping (minus any future M3) M350 xDrive.The M350 xDrive arrives as the replacement for the current M340i model. The sporty sedan is also the only version of the standard 3-Series that will feature a six-cylinder engine in the eight-generation lineup, leaving lesser models to adopt the corporate four-cylinder. The engine is expected to be a reworked variant of the existing B58 engine, which is slated to adopt a 48-volt mild hybrid assist moving forward.According to BMW, the M350 will arrive with 443 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque—which is a ton for a standard 3-Series model. (For reference, the F80 M3 produced 425 hp and 406 lb-ft when it launched for MY2015.) An eight-speed automatic transmission comes as standard.bmwAs the name suggests, BMW's xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system comes as standard with the new range-topper, ensuring that owners can make best use of all that added shove. But should you prefer your BMW to be a bit more boisterous, the brand is rolling out a new feature called "Drift Moment." This is essentially a torque-split mode that moves all available power to the rear axle, like what we see in the proper BMW M cars. The system should allow for some properly smokey slides, bringing a bit more credibility to this M-branded 3-Series variant. Somewhat oddly, however, the setup won't be available at launch; instead, it's slated to arrive by way of an over-the-air update sometime in calendar year 2027.AdvertisementAdvertisementEach new 3-Series will benefit from some performance upgrades, however. Every model now features a longer wheelbase and wider track width, bringing additional stability. The cars employ a strut front and a five-link rear suspension layout, while structural rigidity is up across the range, as well. Other highlights included with the M350 xDrive models include the adaptive M suspension package with upgraded dampers, an M Sport differential, and a variable ratio sport steering rack.bmw"The BMW 3 Series has set standards for driving dynamics for several decades now—and thus serves as a symbol of transparent driving pleasure," said Dr. Mihiar Ayoubi, Senior Vice President Driving Experience Development. "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."The new BMW 3 Series is undergoing a final round of dynamics testing at the BMW test facility outside Miramas, France, but production is slated to begin by the end of the year. The M350 xDrive will be the first model to run down the assembly line, with the four-cylinder variants expected to follow shortly after that. If this is what BMW has in store for its M-branded model, we can't wait to see what the proper Neue Klasse M3 is going to bring us.You Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State