NEXT-GEN 2027 BMW 3 SERIES: ICE MODELS ENTER FINAL TESTING PHASE IN MIRAMAS
BMW is officially entering the final stage of development for its highly anticipated next-generation BMW 3 Series internal combustion engine (ICE) lineup. Camouflaged prototypes of the iconic luxury sports sedan have descended upon the BMW Group Proving Grounds in Miramas, located in southern France, to complete high-intensity summer driving dynamics testing. This final round of fine-tuning secures the ultimate balance of handling, performance, and everyday comfort before series production begins.
The automotive giant continues to pioneer its technology-open dual-track strategy. While the fully electric BMW i3 based on the revolutionary Neue Klasse architecture made its design premiere earlier this year, the gas-powered 2027 BMW 3 Series (internal code G50) will proudly retain its internal combustion heritage with highly efficient four- and six-cylinder powerplants.
Shaking Down at the Miramas Proving Grounds
Before arriving under the hot Mediterranean sun in Miramas, the new 3 Series endured extreme conditions globally. Engineers put the sedan through ice and sub-zero drift testing at BMW’s Winter Test Center in Arjeplog, Sweden, alongside rigorous high-speed chassis calibration on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife.
The Miramas facility serves as the final gauntlet. Featuring a massive high-speed oval and a series of complex handling circuits, it allows development teams to calibrate transverse dynamics to enhance cornering agility and chassis response. Engineers are also using the facility to fine-tune newly engineered standard lift-related suspension dampers for uncompromised ride comfort while perfecting an almost identical 50:50 weight distribution across the axles.
Meet the Flagship: The 443-HP BMW M350 xDrive
While efficient 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engines paired with 48-volt mild-hybrid systems will form the core of the consumer lineup, true enthusiasts will gravitate toward the range-topping BMW M350 xDrive. Replacing the previous M340i, the M350 xDrive will stand alone as the only six-cylinder model in the new internal combustion lineup.
According to preliminary figures confirmed during testing by BMW Group, the flagship model features a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six engine integrated with 48V mild hybrid technology. This setup pumps out a staggering 443 horsepower (326 kW) and 428 lb-ft of torque (580 Nm). Routed through an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive, the sedan rockets from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 4.1 seconds before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
Introducing the Ultimate Track Trick: “Drift Moment” Mode
In an unprecedented move for a standard M Performance variant, BMW has announced the introduction of a new “Drift Moment” function. When activated via the BMW Panoramic iDrive central display running the brand-new BMW Operating System X, the system can seamlessly divert all engine power exclusively to the rear wheels. This unlocks pure rear-wheel-drive dynamics on demand for closed-course track driving. While the vehicle will launch with advanced handling control, the “Drift Moment” feature is slated to debut via a Remote Software Upgrade during 2027, making it a retroactive treat for early owners.
Next-Generation Chassis and Digital Architecture
The 2027 combustion-powered 3 Series doesn’t just borrow technology under the hood; it takes massive structural and aesthetic leaps forward. A longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks deliver enhanced high-speed stability, while sleek, minimal styling inspired by the brand’s Neue Klasse concept design language transforms the cabin and exterior. Standard handling goodies on the M350 xDrive include an Adaptive M suspension, an M Sport differential, and Variable Sport Steering.
Production Timeline
The next-generation, gas-powered BMW 3 Series is scheduled to enter production in the second half of 2026. Expect official, uncamouflaged reveals from BMW to drop over the coming weeks as final verification wraps up in southern France.
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2026-09-15T06:02:19Z