# BMW next-generation vehicle development

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bmw-next-generation-vehicle-development
> Updated: 2026-09-07T23:42:54.000Z. Sources: 30. Developments: 2.

BMW is advancing development for its next generation of performance vehicles, focusing on both the 3 Series and the M3 Touring models.

Management has approved the development of a new M3 Touring, a high-performance station wagon expected to debut around late 2028 or early 2029. This model will feature a 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six engine producing over 550 horsepower and may utilize a 48V mild hybrid system. The design is expected to follow the ‘Neue Klasse’ philosophy.

Concurrently, BMW is entering the final development stages for its next-generation combustion-powered 3 Series, which will run alongside the all-electric i3. The lineup will feature both four- and six-cylinder engines equipped with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. 

The flagship of the internal combustion range, the M350 xDrive, will replace the M340i xDrive. This M Performance model will utilize a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing 443 horsepower and 580 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.1 seconds. It will come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive.

A notable technical addition is the ‘Drift Moment’ feature, a torque-split mode that allows the vehicle to behave like a rear-wheel-drive car by sending all power to the rear axle. This feature is expected to be released via an over-the-air software update in 2027. 

As of September 2026, the next-generation 3 Series combustion models have entered their final testing phase at the proving grounds in Miramas, France. Following previous winter testing in Arjeplog, Sweden, and sessions at the Nürburgring, prototypes are undergoing final tuning for handling and ride comfort. Beyond the powertrain and ‘Drift Moment’ technology, the new generation will incorporate the ‘Neue Klasse’ design language and share digital elements with the i3. Engineering updates include a longer wheelbase, wider tracks, and revised chassis components, such as improved torsional stiffness and adaptive M suspension.

## Claims

- A Drift Moment feature will be released in 2027 via over-the-air software updates for existing vehicles. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The M350 xDrive replaces the M340i model. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The M350 xDrive features a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The M350 xDrive produces 326kW of power and 580Nm of torque. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The M350 xDrive has a claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.1 seconds. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The next-generation 3 Series is scheduled to enter production in the second half of this year. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-07: BMW next-generation 3 Series enters final testing phase

BMW is finalizing testing for the next-generation 3 Series, featuring 48V mild-hybrid engines and a high-performance M350 xDrive with a software-enabled ‘Drift Moment’ feature.

27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bmw-teases-next-generation-3-series-and-m350-xdrive-flagship

### 2026-09-06: BMW approves development of new M3 Touring with 550+ hp

BMW has greenlit the development of the next-generation M3 Touring, featuring a 550+ hp straight-six engine, expected to debut between late 2028 and early 2029.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bmw-approves-development-of-new-m3-touring-with-550-hp

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Cite as: BMW next-generation vehicle development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bmw-next-generation-vehicle-development