It's already been nearly two months since the all-electric i3 sedan debuted, and now a leak from a reliable insider has spilled the tea on what to expect in terms of performance from the combustion-powered BMW 3 Series. A user on the Bimmer Post forum claims that the eighth-generation G50 3 Series will launch with three models, with others to follow in due course: 318, 320, and M350 (we've known for some time that the 'i' suffix is being dropped from gas Bimmers to prevent confusing them with their electric brethren), with the latter reportedly getting more power than was previously reported.
BMW M350 Will Be Boosted Beyond 400 Horsepower
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Spy photographers reported in June last year that the current range-topping 386-horsepower M340i would be replaced by an M350 delivering 400 hp from a mild-hybrid powertrain, but the new information leaked online is more specific, claiming that the M Performance 3er will get the B58B30M3 straight-six turbo engine with a total of 420 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. While that is higher than previously understood, the discrepancy may be a result of Euro 7 emissions regulations, with European-market models potentially getting less performance than the unshackled U.S.-spec models, as is the case with the current G20 M340i. As for the rest of the range, a four-cylinder turbo will continue.
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The forum update says the 318's mild-hybrid, featuring the 2.0-liter turbo B48B20M3 engine, will make 154 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, while the 320 will reportedly develop 208 hp and 243 lb-ft, with both four-pots being assisted by an electric motor producing an extra 11 ponies. The latter is expected to be offered in both rear-wheel-drive and xDrive formats. In the U.S., those figures may not be potent enough, but don't forget, these are just the launch models, and it's almost certain that a 330 model with a more powerful setup will follow. This, too, is likely to be offered in RWD and AWD configurations, and a 330e plug-in hybrid is also expected to make production. So, when will these rumors be officially confirmed or denied?
Gas BMW 3 Series Coming After X5 Debut
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The new G50 3 Series has already been teased by BMW, and a major leak in February of this year confirmed that it will arrive in xDrive form for the 2027 model year. This is expected to occur after the new X5 is launched, and that enters production in August, with a reveal happening in the summer (so anytime from late June). With 3 Series production scheduled for November, we don't expect the all-new 3 Series to break cover before the fall.
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