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2026 BMW 3 Series (M350) Spied: M340i Replacement?

2027 BMW M350 Spied: The M340i Killer Arrives with 420 HP, Quad Exhausts, and Radical Neue Klasse Tech

The End of an Era: M340i Makes Way for the Electrified M350 Performance Sedan

 

The iconic BMW 3 Series is preparing for its most transformative generation yet, codenamed G50. Enthusiasts worldwide are abuzz as spy shots confirm the replacement for the beloved M340i will arrive as the 2027 BMW M350. This isn’t just a name change—it’s a significant performance and technology upgrade that signals BMW’s hybrid future for its legendary six-cylinder sedan.

Here is everything you need to know about the new ‘M-Lite’ performance champion, set to dominate rivals like the Mercedes-AMG C43.

1. Power Surge: A More Potent B58 Engine

 

The jump from “40” to “50” in the designation is justified by a substantial boost in power. The M350 will retain the famed B58 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, now updated to comply with stringent Euro 7 emissions regulations and paired with an enhanced 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

This next-generation B58 engine is expected to churn out power figures previously reserved for older-generation M cars.

Feature Current BMW M340i (G20) (India/Europe Spec) Expected 2027 BMW M350 (G50) Key Change
Engine B58 3.0L Inline-Six Turbo + 48V MHEV Upgraded B58 3.0L Inline-Six Turbo + 48V MHEV Emissions & Performance Tuning
Power ~369 hp (382 hp US Spec) ~410 – 420 hp +41 to 51 hp
Torque ~500 Nm (369 lb-ft) ~580 Nm (428 lb-ft) +80 Nm
0-100 km/h 4.4 seconds (xDrive) Sub-4.0 seconds (Est.) Significantly Quicker
Transmission 8-speed ZF Automatic 8-speed ZF Automatic Carryover/Refinement
Drivetrain xDrive AWD (RWD in some markets) xDrive AWD (RWD likely limited) Name changes: Drops the ‘i’

Why the “i” is dropped: Following BMW’s new naming convention, the “i” badge will now be reserved exclusively for all-electric models (like the upcoming i3), signaling the M350 as a pure Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) or mild-hybrid vehicle.

2. Radical Design: Neue Klasse Styling & Quad Exhausts

 

The exterior design of the G50 M350 marks a major departure, incorporating the Neue Klasse design language that will define future BMWs.

  • Front End: Expect a wider, slimmer interpretation of the signature BMW kidney grille and sharply redesigned, smaller headlights with a unique “45-degree ingot” DRL signature, inspired by the upcoming iX3.
  • Rear End: The biggest visual change for the M-Performance model is the addition of a Quad-Exhaust System. This feature, previously only seen on full-fat M cars (M3/M4), will now distinguish the M350, offering a much more aggressive and sporty stance than the current M340i’s dual pipes.
  • Details: Spy photos show flush, pop-out door handles, red M Sport brake calipers peeking through 19-inch (or potentially 20-inch) M-specific alloy wheels, and a more aggressive front apron for improved cooling.

3. Revolutionary Interior: The Panoramic Digital Cockpit

 

The cabin of the new G50 3 Series, and by extension the M350, is set for a technology overhaul, borrowing heavily from the Neue Klasse Vision Concept.

Interior Technology Feature Current M340i (G20) Expected M350 (G50) Impact
Infotainment Screen 14.9-inch Curved Display (iDrive 8) Large, Trapezoidal Central Screen (iDrive X) Sleeker, more integrated design.
Driver Display 12.3-inch Digital Cluster BMW Panoramic Vision (Dash-wide projection) Replaces traditional instrument binnacle for a futuristic look.
iDrive Controller Rotary iDrive Controller present Expected to be dropped Relies primarily on touch and voice control.
Seating M Sport Seats Updated M Sport seating with enhanced support. Improved long-distance comfort and sport focus.

The most significant change is the rumored Panoramic Vision, a full-width projection display at the base of the windshield, feeding driving information directly into the driver’s line of sight, effectively superseding the traditional instrument cluster.

4. Launch Timeline and Indian Market Relevance

 

The G50 generation of the BMW 3 Series, including the M350, is expected to begin production in late 2026 (around November 2026) in Dingolfing, Germany, and will hit international showrooms as a 2027 Model Year vehicle.

For the Indian market, the M340i is currently one of the quickest locally-assembled cars, and the new M350 is certain to be a highly anticipated model. Given BMW India’s focus on its performance lineup, we can expect the M350 xDrive variant to arrive in India soon after its global launch.

The M350 will serve as the final flagship performance ICE model before the all-electric M3 (codenamed G84, launching around 2028) takes the helm. This makes the M350 a potential collector’s item and the ultimate send-off to the pure six-cylinder sports sedan.

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