Next-Gen BMW 3 Series ICE Confirmed: Retains 4-Cyl & 6-Cyl Turbo Engines | CarSide
Next-Gen BMW 3 Series ICE Confirmed: Retains 4-Cyl & 6-Cyl Turbo Engines
For purists concerned that the world’s quintessential sports sedan was about to abandon internal combustion entirely, there is welcome news. BMW has officially confirmed that the next-generation BMW 3 Series will continue to offer internal combustion engines (ICE), coexisting alongside the all-electric Neue Klasse i3 platform. Enthusiasts can rest easy knowing that rear-wheel-drive dynamics and multi-cylinder turbo engines remain at the heart of the 3 Series lineup.
What to Expect from the Next-Gen 3 Series Petrol Range
1. Dual-Platform Strategy: CLAR Architecture Updated
While the all-electric i3 sedan will transition to the dedicated Neue Klasse 800V skateboard, the combustion 3 Series will be built on an extensively evolved version of BMW’s flexible CLAR architecture:
- Allows authentic 50:50 axle weight distribution.
- Maintains longitudinal engine layout with mechanical rear-wheel drive and rear-biased xDrive AWD.
- Offers enhanced torsional stiffness with adaptive M suspension geometry.
2. 4-Cylinder and 6-Cylinder Powertrain Hierarchy
- 2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder (B48): Refined 2.0-litre unit with 48V mild-hybrid integration powering the 320 and 330 trims, developing between 204 hp and 260 hp.
- 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 (B58): The flagship M Performance variant transitions to the M350 xDrive, outputting over 392 hp and 540 Nm of torque with quad exhaust tailpipes.
3. Dropping the ‘i’ Suffix
In line with BMW’s new branding protocol, petrol models will drop the lowercase ‘i’ letter from their model badges (e.g., transitioning from 330i to 330, and M340i to M350), reserving the prefix strictly for pure-electric models.
Next-Gen BMW 3 Series Lineup Overview
| Variant | Engine & Drivetrain | Power Output |
|---|---|---|
| BMW 320 | 2.0L Turbo Petrol (48V Hybrid, RWD) | ~204 hp |
| BMW 330 Gran Limousine | 2.0L High-Output Turbo Petrol (RWD) | ~258 hp |
| BMW M350 xDrive | 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 (AWD + M Diff) | ~392 hp |
| Expected Launch | Late 2026 Reveal / 2027 India Deliveries | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the next-generation BMW 3 Series have petrol engines?
Yes, BMW has confirmed the next-gen 3 Series will be sold with combustion engines alongside the electric Neue Klasse i3, featuring 2.0L 4-cylinder and 3.0L 6-cylinder petrol motors.
What is the new name for the BMW M340i?
The next-generation 6-cylinder performance model will be badged the BMW M350 xDrive, dropping the ‘i’ designation and producing over 390 hp.
When will the next-gen BMW 3 Series launch in India?
The next-generation combustion 3 Series is scheduled for global reveal in late 2026, with Indian launch expected in 2027 in long-wheelbase Gran Limousine format.
The CarSide Verdict
Keeping combustion engines alive in the next-generation 3 Series ensures that highway drivers and enthusiasts still have access to the benchmark sports sedan without forcing an early compromise on range or charging stops.
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