2027 BMW 3 Series Specs Emerge For 318, 320, And M350 Models

The already revealed i3 and next week’s 7 Series facelift aren’t the only new sedans from BMW this year. In the second half of 2026, the wraps will finally come off the next-generation 3 Series Sedan. The “G50” marks the model’s eighth generation and will replace the current “G20,” which has been around since late 2018. Yes, it’s eight years old already.

We’ve seen plenty of spy shots suggesting the new CLAR-based luxury sedan will look much like the fully electric i3. Details about the technical specifications have been few and far between, as BMW has preferred to remain tight-lipped about the next 3er. Thankfully, a reliable insider has obtained some information, although nothing is official until Munich confirms it.

According to a trustworthy member of the Bimmer Post forums, among the versions available at launch will be a trio of gasoline-powered models: 318, 320, and M350. Predictably, the upcoming 3 Series will also drop the “i” suffix, originally referencing injection, for gasoline engines. Going forward, the letter will be reserved exclusively for electric vehicles.

The four-cylinder models are set to use the B48B20M3 engine revision in a mild-hybrid configuration. The turbocharged 2.0-liter unit is said to produce 154 horsepower and 250 Newton-meters (184 pound-feet) of torque in the 318. Step up to the 320, and output increases to 208 hp and 330 Nm (243 lb-ft). Both are expected to feature a small electric motor capable of delivering an additional 11 hp.

In the case of the M Performance model, the beefier M350 xDrive is reportedly getting the B58B30M3. This turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six has apparently been tuned to deliver 420 hp and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft). The horsepower figure is slightly higher than in previous reports, though variations may exist by market. Some differences could also stem from the conversion between Pferdestärke (PS) and kilowatts to metric horsepower.

As a refresher, the outgoing M340i produces more power in the United States than in Europe, where it was detuned to meet stricter emissions regulations. There’s no word about whether BMW will also sell a rear-wheel-drive M350, as is the case today with the M340i.

Although not mentioned, a 330 for the U.S. seems like a safe bet, featuring a more powerful B48. It could be offered with both rear- and all-wheel drive. The 320 is also likely to gain an xDrive option. An educated guess suggests a 330e plug-in hybrid will follow, serving as a bridge between the 3 Series and the i3.

Curiously, the insider mentions a lower-powered 320 for certain regions. It will reportedly use a smaller 1.6-liter engine and presumably deliver even less power than the 154 hp cited for the global 320 version. At least it will retain four cylinders, unlike the dark days of the F30-generation 3 Series, which was once offered with a B38 three-cylinder, 1.5-liter unit.

At the top of the lineup, the M3 will, of course, return. The “G84” isn’t expected until 2028, and BMW has said it will feature a different type of inline-six engine. This likely points to a mild-hybrid version of the S58. The flagship is expected to be offered exclusively with an automatic transmission, making the outgoing G80 the last three-pedal 3 Series ever. The current M3 is also likely the last to come with a pure RWD setup, with its replacement going xDrive-only.

Meanwhile, the regular “G50” will debut after the new X5, which is confirmed to arrive this summer. A fall premiere seems likely, given that series production in Dingolfing isn’t scheduled to begin until around November. While an electric i3 Touring (“NA1”) has already been teased, BMW has yet to clarify whether an internal combustion 3 Series wagon will follow. If it does, it will carry the “G51” codename.

Source: Bimmer Post