2026 BMW 3 Series Is Keeping Internal Combustion Alive – Here’s What You Need To Know!

BMW is getting ready to introduce the 2026 BMW 3 Series, and yes, internal combustion engines are still very much part of the plan. While everyone is talking about electric vehicles, BMW is making sure fans of traditional driving still have something to get excited about.

The upcoming 3 Series will continue to offer turbocharged four-cylinder and six-cylinder engine options. Expect to see a 330 model powered by a four-cylinder engine and an M340 variant with a six-cylinder setup. Both will be available with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Even as electric vehicles become more common, BMW knows that a large number of drivers still love the sound and feel of a gas-powered car.

From what we have seen in spy photos, the new 3 Series will pull design cues from the Vision Neue Klasse concept. That means a sleeker front end, reworked kidney grilles, and sharper headlights. However, to fit those internal combustion engines, the hood on these models will be slightly longer than their electric siblings.

Production of the internal combustion variants is expected to begin in November 2026. One of the first models to launch might be the M350 xDrive. And for those waiting on the next generation BMW M3, sources say it will not start production until July 2028.

Inside the cabin, the 3 Series will come equipped with BMW’s newest iDrive 9.0 system. This means smoother operation, better connectivity, and a more intuitive interface. Safety tech and semi-autonomous driving features will also see upgrades, giving you more comfort and confidence behind the wheel.

BMW is clearly aiming to give drivers the best of both worlds: the classic driving experience of an internal combustion engine with modern design and digital features.