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BMW is preparing a much more powerful replacement for the M340i. The next-generation M350 xDrive will use a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six producing 437hp and 580Nm, while also gaining a rear-drive drift function previously associated with full M cars.

For context, the current M340i xDrive sold here produces 374hp and 500Nm and is priced at Rs 77.10 lakh ex-showroom on BMW’s current model listing.

BMW has not confirmed the M350 for this market, so there is no local launch date or price yet. The new performance sedan is expected to reach overseas customers in early 2027 after the next 3 Series begins its rollout.

The important news for enthusiasts is that BMW is keeping the six-cylinder petrol engine.

The M350 uses a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six with 437hp and 580Nm. Power goes through an eight-speed automatic gearbox and xDrive all-wheel drive.

BMW claims 0-100kmph in 4.1 seconds and an electronically limited 250kmph top speed.

The new car therefore gains roughly 63hp and 80Nm over the current India-spec M340i.

The M350 name also reflects BMW’s changing naming system. The company is moving away from using the letter ‘i’ at the end of petrol model names because ‘i’ is now strongly associated with its electric cars. So M340i becomes M350 rather than M350i.

The more interesting chassis feature is what BMW calls Drift Moment.

The M350 normally uses xDrive, but this function can disconnect drive to the front axle and send power only to the rear wheels. That allows controlled oversteer in an appropriate closed environment.

There is a catch. Drift Moment is not expected to be active when the first M350s reach customers. BMW plans to add it later through a software update in 2027.

The car also gets an active rear differential and a new integrated chassis-control system that coordinates steering, braking, power delivery and stability functions more closely.

Standard suspension uses steel springs. Adaptive dampers will be available, including a firmer M-oriented setup.

The prototype specification also uses staggered tyres, with 245-section rubber at the front and 275-section tyres at the rear.

The next combustion-engine 3 Series will share much of its visual and cabin thinking with BMW’s Neue Klasse generation of cars.

That does not mean the M350 is an EV. It remains a petrol-powered performance sedan, but its design and electronics move much closer to BMW’s new-generation electric models.

Inside, the traditional instrument binnacle gives way to BMW’s new Panoramic iDrive concept, which projects driving information across the lower edge of the windscreen and works with a central touchscreen.

The next 3 Series will also use a new electrical architecture and substantially more software-based vehicle control.

BMW is developing both combustion and electric versions of its next performance sedans, rather than replacing the petrol 3 Series outright.

The current M340i has been an important enthusiast model because it combines straight-six performance, all-wheel drive and local assembly at a price far below the M3.

That makes the M350 an obvious candidate for this market, but a candidate is all it is for now.

BMW has not announced local assembly, specifications, price or a launch window.

If the M350 follows the M340i’s local-production strategy, it could remain one of the more accessible ways into a six-cylinder BMW performance sedan. If it arrives as an import, the price equation would change sharply.

What is confirmed globally is already interesting enough: 437hp, 580Nm, xDrive, an eight-speed automatic and a software-enabled rear-wheel-drive drift mode.

The current M340i has always sat closer to a very fast everyday 3 Series than a full M3. The M350 pushes that formula noticeably further without abandoning the straight-six engine that defines much of its appeal.