(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – Although BMW is currently prioritizing the fully electric i3, one thing is certain: another 3 Series is coming. In a new official video about the development of the EV, the Bavarian manufacturer has casually hidden a short teaser of the internal combustion engine counterpart. The internal code name is “G50”, and the next 3 Series with a combustion engine can only be seen at the very end.
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It’s easy to miss, as the car is only on screen for a few seconds. Despite the camouflage, it’s already apparent that the combustion-powered 3 Series will look very similar to the i3. The clear indication that it is not the electric i3 is the visible exhaust tailpipes: four tailpipes protrude through the rear bumper. A Touring (i.e., station wagon) is considered a given for both the i3 and the 3 Series.
Some might think BMW is already hinting at the next M3 – but that is not the case. For several years now, BMW in Munich has also been installing four tailpipes on M Performance models, and now the 3 Series is apparently also taking this step.
Accordingly, it is likely to be a successor to the M340i. It will probably have a different name: an “M350” for 2027 briefly appeared prematurely on the BMW USA website. The higher number indicates more power, and the missing “i” fits with the recent naming changes. In the future, BMW wants to reserve the letter for electric cars and remove the suffix (originally an indication of fuel injection) from combustion engines.
The eighth generation of the 3 Series is expected to continue to rely on six-cylinder engines in the top versions. This M350 variant is practically considered a given and is likely to use an evolution of the widespread “B58” – a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that could reach more than 400 hp. The M Performance derivative is likely to be among the models available at market launch, if the premature entry on the BMW website is taken as an indication.
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A new M3 with a combustion engine is also in the works and is reportedly codenamed “G84”. BMW has already confirmed that it will stick with six cylinders, while also hinting at some form of electrification for the twin-turbo S58 engine. The weight penalty should remain manageable, as the next M3 is likely to rely on a mild-hybrid system rather than the plug-in hybrid drive of the M5.
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The M3 is unlikely to arrive as early as next year – the less powerful variants are expected to hit the market first. A plausible estimate points more towards a 2028 launch, possibly with a simplified range. While today’s G80 offers rear-wheel and all-wheel drive as well as manual and automatic transmissions, the G84 could come exclusively with xDrive and an automatic. However, this is only official once BMW confirms it.
If the rumors about the M350’s performance are true, the M3 should easily exceed 500 hp. The next 3 Series with a combustion engine is set to debut in the coming months. The start of sales is expected – depending on the region – for late 2026 or early 2027.
It is reassuring to see that BMW is sticking with the combustion-powered 3 Series. At the same time, it is exciting that an M Performance variant will very likely be available from the start. Whether there will be both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive versions – as there are today – remains to be seen, but at least it’s clear: an M Performance model is coming.
We are also curious to see how the design language of the Neue Klasse i3 will translate to the 3 Series. It is likely that the combustion model will get a longer front end to accommodate gasoline and diesel engines. In addition, the front air intake is likely to be larger. As before, a plug-in hybrid is also planned for all those who do not yet want to switch completely to an electric car.
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