BMW finally pulled the wraps off the car that replaces one of its most quietly loved sedans. On September 8, 2026, BMW confirmed the 2027 BMW M350 xDrive, the M Performance version of the next 3 Series (codename G50). It carries a familiar heart, a new name, and more power than the M340i it succeeds.
If you have been tracking the BMW M350 news, here is the short version: the beloved 3.0-liter straight-six stays, output climbs to 437 hp, all-wheel drive is standard, and a drift mode borrowed from full M cars is on the way. There is no M3 on this platform until 2028, which makes the M350 the fastest 3 Series you can buy for about two years.
This guide breaks down the 2027 BMW M350 specs, engine, interior, styling, expected price in the US and the Gulf, and how the car changes between those two markets.
2027 BMW M350 at a Glance
| Category | Specification |
| Engine | 3.0L turbocharged inline-six (B58) + 48V mild hybrid |
| Power | 437 hp (443 PS metric) |
| Torque | Up to 428 lb-ft (580 Nm) |
| 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) | 4.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 mph (250 km/h), electronically limited |
| Transmission | 8-speed ZF automatic |
| Drivetrain | xDrive all-wheel drive (standard) |
| Special Mode | “Drift Moment” rear-drive mode (rolling out during 2027) |
| Wheels & Tires | Up to 20 inches; 245/35 front, 275/30 rear |
| Production Start | Second half of 2026 (Dingolfing, Germany) |
| Model Year | 2027 |
Why It’s Called M350, Not M340i
The name change is the first thing people ask about, and it is not random.
BMW is retiring the lowercase “i” from its combustion and mild-hybrid cars. Going forward, “i” belongs to fully electric models only. You already saw this with the current X3, which dropped the badge when the new generation arrived. So the gas 3 Series performance car becomes the BMW M350, and the electric version of the same 3 Series lineup is badged i3.
That naming split matters for shoppers. Search for “new BMW M350,” and you get the gas M Performance sedan. Search for i3 and you land on the electric car built on BMW’s Neue Klasse platform. Two different cars, two different platforms, launching around the same window.
The jump from “40” to “50” in the name is not just marketing either. BMW pushed real power into this car, closer to old M territory than the M340i ever reached.
Design and Styling Features
The G50 is the biggest 3 Series redesign in a generation, not a mild refresh. BMW moved it onto the CLAR II architecture and dressed it in the Neue Klasse design language.
Front end. A horizontal glass panel runs across the nose and folds the headlights into the kidney surround. The kidneys are still there and still work as air intakes for the six-cylinder, but they are slimmer and more geometric than the oversized grilles of recent BMWs.
M Performance cues. Spy shots from the Nürburgring, later confirmed by BMW’s own images, showed the M350 wearing hardware that used to be reserved for pricier cars:
- Quad exhaust tips, previously limited to full M models. The “BMW G50 M350 Quad Exhausts” searches you see are pointing at this exact detail.
- Red-painted M Sport brake calipers behind large wheels.
- 20-inch wheels, up from the 19-inch maximum on the old M340i.
- A wide trapezoidal lower intake closer in look to the M5’s face than the outgoing M340i.
The proportions stay traditional. Unlike the electric i3, the gas BMW M350 keeps the long-hood, rear-drive-based stance that 3 Series buyers expect.
One hard change across the whole range: no manual transmission anywhere. For the first time since the E21 of the 1970s, the 3 Series lineup goes automatic-only.
Engine and Powertrain
This is the section enthusiasts care about, and it is good news.
The BMW M350 keeps the B58 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The mild-hybrid setup sharpens throttle response, fills in low-rpm gaps, and helps the engine meet tighter emissions rules.
Here is how the numbers stack up against the car it replaces:
| Spec | 2027 BMW M350 xDrive | Outgoing BMW M340i (US) |
| Engine | 3.0L Turbo Inline-Six (B58) + 48V Mild Hybrid | 3.0L Turbo Inline-Six (B58) + 48V Mild Hybrid |
| Power | 437 hp (443 PS metric) | 386 hp |
| Torque | 428 lb-ft (580 Nm) | 398 lb-ft (540 Nm) |
| 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) | 4.1 sec | 4.4 sec (0–60 mph in ~4.1 sec) |
| Top Speed | 155 mph (250 km/h), limited | 155 mph (250 km/h), limited |
That is a 51 hp gain over the US M340i and an even bigger jump over the detuned European version. Power now sits within striking distance of older M3s.
One honest note on acceleration: BMW quotes 4.1 seconds for the M350, and the M340i was also rated at 4.1 seconds, so the on-paper sprint looks flat. Independent testing usually beat BMW’s conservative M340i figure by several tenths, so expect the M350 to feel quicker in the real world than the spec sheet suggests, especially in roll-on acceleration where the extra torque lives.
The “Drift Moment” Mode
The headline feature is a proper drift mode. BMW M350 calls it Drift Moment. With stability control off, the xDrive system can shove the engine’s full output to the rear wheels, turning this all-wheel-drive sedan into a rear-drive tail-happy machine at the touch of a button.
Two catches worth flagging for buyers:
- It is not available at launch. BMW says the Drift Moment arrives during 2027.
- Cars already delivered will receive it through an over-the-air software update, so early buyers are not locked out.
This kind of feature used to live only in the M3 and M5. Trickling it down to the M350 is a real perk.
Chassis and Handling Hardware
BMW did not just add power. The M350 gets:
- Adaptive M suspension as standard
- An M Sport differential
- Variable sport steering with a tweaked ratio for finer control
- Upgraded brakes
- A longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks than the G20
- Improved torsional and vertical stiffness, plus what BMW describes as nearly perfect weight balance
The suspension is a double-joint strut setup up front and a five-link arrangement at the rear. Buyers can also choose standard or adaptive suspension on lesser trims, but the M350 comes with the M-tuned adaptive kit from the start.
Interior and Technology
BMW has not released full cabin photos of the gas BMW M350 yet, since launch images still show camouflaged cars. What we do know comes from the wider G50 program and the electric i3 that shares the generation’s design direction.
Expect a Neue Klasse interior built around BMW’s newest display and software generation, with a heavy shift toward a wide dashboard-spanning screen and BMW’s Panoramic Vision head-up concept seen on other new models. Physical buttons are fewer, and more functions move into the touchscreen and voice control.
M Performance trim should bring:
- Sport front seats with heavier bolstering
- M-specific steering wheel and trim
- Leather or upgraded synthetic upholstery
- A premium audio system (Harman Kardon on the outgoing car; likely carried over or upgraded)
For anyone searching “2027 BMW M350 interior,” the honest answer today is that the tech and layout are confirmed in direction, but the exact seat, trim, and screen specs for the US and Gulf cars will land closer to sale. We will update pricing and cabin details as BMW releases them, rather than guess at features that are not confirmed.
Safety and Driver Assistance
BMW has not published the BMW M350 full safety sheet, but the G50 platform is expected to carry BMW’s latest driver-assistance suite. Based on the current 3 Series and newer BMWs, plan on:
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
- Lane-keeping and lane-departure assist
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- A 360-degree camera and parking assistant on higher trims
- Digital key that lets you lock, unlock, and start the car with a phone
Formal crash ratings from IIHS and NHTSA in the US will only come after the car goes on sale.
Fuel Economy and Range
Official EPA figures for the 2027 BMW M350 are not out yet. As a reference point, the outgoing M340i xDrive returns roughly 26 mpg combined in the US (about 23 city / 31 highway), and the rear-drive M340i does slightly better.
The M350 makes more power but keeps the same mild-hybrid six and 8-speed automatic, so expect fuel economy in the same neighborhood, give or take. The 48-volt system helps with stop-start efficiency in traffic. Treat any exact mpg number as an estimate until the EPA and BMW confirm it.
2027 BMW M350 Price
Here is where you need to separate confirmed facts from estimates. BMW has not announced US or Gulf pricing for the M350. Anyone quoting a firm figure right now is guessing. What we can do is anchor an expectation to the car it replaces.
US Price (Estimate)
The current M340i xDrive carries a base MSRP around $64,875 before the destination charge, and well-optioned examples on dealer lots run $69,000 to $76,000+.
New generation, more power, more standard equipment, and general price creep usually add a few thousand dollars. A reasonable estimate for the 2027 BMW M350 in the US is the high-$60,000s to low-$70,000s to start, with loaded cars pushing past $80,000. Again, that is an estimate, not an official price.
Gulf / UAE Price (Estimate)
In the UAE, the M340i xDrive lists around AED 315,000 to AED 320,000, including VAT, depending on the source and options.
Following the same logic, an estimated 2027 BMW M350 price in the UAE lands in the AED 330,000 to AED 360,000 range at launch, before options and dealer packages. Gulf pricing also swings with local BMW importers (AGMC in Dubai, for example) and seasonal offers, so watch official dealer sites closer to launch.
| Market | Reference: current M340i | M350 estimate (unofficial) |
| USA | ~$64,875 base MSRP | high-$60,000s to low-$70,000s |
| UAE | ~AED 315,000–320,000 | ~AED 330,000–360,000 |
US vs Gulf: What Changes Between Markets
The BMW M350 is a global car, but the ownership experience differs between the United States and the Gulf states of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.
Power labels. You will see the same engine quoted two ways. US material lists 437 hp (SAE). Gulf and European material often lists 443 PS (metric horsepower). It is the same engine; the difference is the measurement standard, not a more powerful car.
Availability timing. BMW builds the G50 in Germany starting in the second half of 2026. US 2027 deliveries follow the launch, and Gulf importers typically receive cars in a similar window, sometimes a little after Europe. UK deliveries are reported to begin early 2027, which is a useful signal for the region.
Trims and options. Gulf-spec BMWs usually arrive well-equipped, since the market leans toward higher trims, premium audio, and full driver-assist packages as standard or near-standard. US buyers get more of an à la carte structure, choosing packages individually.
Hot-weather engineering. This is the big one for Gulf buyers. Summer heat in Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha punishes cooling systems, tires, and interiors. GCC-spec cars are built for it, with cooling and climate calibration suited to extreme ambient temperatures. Practical advice for Gulf owners:
- Prioritize a strong cooling package and check tire ratings for high-heat, high-speed running.
- Lighter interior colors and ventilated seats are worth the money in the region.
- The 48-volt system and stop-start behavior can feel different in heavy heat and traffic, so test drive in local conditions.
Fuel. Gulf fuel is cheap relative to the US and Europe, which softens the M350’s appetite for premium gas. That is part of why big-six BMWs remain popular across the GCC.
“BMW X3 M350”: Clearing Up the Confusion
A lot of people search “bmw x3 m350.” Worth clearing up: there is no X3 M350. The performance version of the current X3 (G45) is the X3 M50, and it uses a version of the same B58 mild-hybrid six that powers the M350 sedan. BMW rolled that engine into the X3 M50 for the 2027 model year as well.
So if you love the BMW M350’s powertrain but want an SUV, the X3 M50 is the car you are actually looking for. Same family of engine, taller body, more cargo room, higher seating position.
Competitors
The M350 plays in the hottest corner of the sport-sedan market. Its natural rivals:
- Mercedes-AMG C43: turbo-four with electric assist, plush cabin, strong AWD traction.
- Audi S4 / S5 Sedan: smooth, all-weather grip, understated looks.
- Genesis G70 3.3T: value pick with a strong twin-turbo six, popular in the US and growing in the Gulf.
- BMW’s own i3: the electric sibling, which actually makes about 26 hp more than the M350 for buyers open to going electric.
The M350’s trump card is the straight-six. Most rivals in this bracket moved to four-cylinders or went electric. A charismatic turbo-six with a drift mode is increasingly rare, and that is a big part of the appeal.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Real power bump: 437 hp, up 51 hp over the US M340i
- Keeps the celebrated B58 straight-six when rivals downsized
- xDrive standard, with a proper rear-drive Drift Moment mode coming
- Adaptive M suspension, M Sport diff, and upgraded brakes as standard
- Only the 3 Series performance is available until the M3 arrives in 2028
- Cheaper and more usable daily than a full M3
Cons
- No manual transmission, anywhere in the range
- Drift Moment is not ready at launch (arrives via OTA during 2027)
- On-paper 0–62 time matches the old car, so the gain is felt more than measured
- No official pricing yet, so budget planning is guesswork for now
- Bold Neue Klasse styling will divide opinion
People Also Ask
- Is the BMW M350 replacing the M340i? Yes. The M350 is the direct successor to the M340i in the G50 3 Series generation.
- Does the BMW M350 have a straight-six? Yes, the B58 3.0-liter turbo inline-six with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance. It is the only 3-series short of the M3 to use a six.
- Is the M350 all-wheel drive? Yes, xDrive is standard. The Drift Moment mode can send power to the rear wheels for rear-drive behavior.
- When does the BMW M350 come out? Production starts in the second half of 2026, with the M350 arriving as a 2027 model. US and Gulf deliveries follow the launch.
- How much power does the BMW M350 have? 437 hp (443 PS) and up to 428 lb-ft of torque.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the 2027 BMW M350?
The 2027 BMW M350 is the sweet spot of the new 3 Series range, and for two years it is the fastest one you can get.
Buy it if you want a daily-usable sport sedan that keeps the increasingly rare turbo straight-six, adds real power over the M340i, and throws in genuine M-car toys like adaptive M suspension and a rear-drive drift mode. It suits the driver who wants most of the thrill of an M3 without the stiffer ride, higher price, and attention that come with the full M badge.
For US buyers, it is a strong pick if you value all-weather xDrive traction and a refined cabin, and you are comfortable ordering options individually. For Gulf buyers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, the M350 makes even more sense: cheap premium fuel, a market that loves a smooth six, and GCC-spec engineering built to handle the heat.
Wait for it if you can stomach the unknown pricing and the fact that Drift Moment lands after launch. If you need a performance 3 Series today with locked-in numbers, the outgoing M340i is still a sensational car and easier to buy right now.
Either way, the straight-six 3 Series lives on, and it is more powerful than ever.
Specifications reflect BMW’s official announcement as of September 2026. Pricing marked as an estimate is unofficial and will be updated when BMW and regional dealers confirm figures. Verify current specs and prices with your local BMW dealer before purchase.
FAQs
Q. How much will the 2027 BMW M350 cost in the US and UAE?
A. BMW has not published official pricing. Based on the outgoing M340i, expect a US starting figure in the high-$60,000s to low-$70,000s and a UAE figure roughly in the AED 330,000 to AED 360,000 range. Treat both as estimates until BMW and local dealers confirm.
Q. What engine does the BMW M350 use, and is it reliable?Â
A. It uses BMW’s B58 3.0-liter turbo inline-six with a 48-volt mild hybrid. The B58 has a strong reputation for durability and tuning headroom, and it is the same engine family found in several other BMWs and the X3 M50.
Q. Is the M350 a good choice for the Gulf climate?
A. Yes, provided you buy the GCC-spec car. Gulf models are built for extreme heat, with cooling and climate systems calibrated for high ambient temperatures. Ventilated seats and a strong cooling package are worth prioritizing in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
Q. What is the difference between the M350 and the i3?Â
A. The M350 is the gas-powered performance 3 Series with the straight-six. The i3 is the fully electric 3 Series on BMW’s Neue Klasse platform. BMW now reserves the “i” badge for EVs, which is why the gas car dropped its “i.”
Q. Should I wait for the M350 or buy an M340i now?Â
A. If you want the newest platform, more power, the drift mode, and the latest tech, the M350 is worth waiting for. If you want a proven car with known pricing and strong current-year discounts, a well-optioned M340i is a smart buy today, especially with generational depreciation working in your favor later.
