AWD BMW M2 Incoming; Next-gen 3 Series and Other New Bimmers Leaked

BMW clearly didn’t intend to show its 2027 hand this early, but the internet had other plans. A brief slip-up on the BMW North America online shop saw a list of future models go live just long enough for enthusiasts to grab screenshots. The result? A definitive roadmap of what’s coming next for Munich’s performance icons and EVs. With the first AWD M2, a new 3 Series and fresh Neue Klasse electric sedans, BMW is clearly not slowing down. For those of us who still live for the sound of a straight-six, this leak feels like a massive win.

Also Read: BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse Named 2026 World Car Person of the Year

The real headline-grabber is the BMW M2 xDrive. For the first time, all-wheel drive is coming to the smallest M car in the stable. Production is slated for August 2026, positioning it as a 2027 model year arrival. The M2 has always been the 'rebel' of the family: short, punchy, and notoriously tail-happy. Bringing xDrive into the mix gives it the same brutal off-the-line traction as the M3 and M4. Purists might grumble about the change, but if this setup delivers sub-3-second sprints, those complaints will vanish pretty quickly.

Under the bonnet, it will continue to use the familiar S58 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six engine. The move to xDrive does come with a weight penalty of roughly 50 to 75kg, meaning this won't be the featherweight of the range. There’s also a caveat for the enthusiasts: the AWD M2 will be an automatic-only affair, paired exclusively with the eight-speed ZF gearbox. If you still want three pedals and a manual stick, you’ll have to stick with the rear-wheel-drive model. It’s a simple choice: classic smoky slides or total grip.

The next-gen BMW 3 Series (G50) is also breaking cover, debuting a new M350 xDrive badge. This model looks set to retire the M340i nameplate, serving as the petrol-powered flagship until the next full-fat M3 arrives. It is expected to use an updated version of the 3.0-litre six-cylinder, likely bolstered by 48V mild-hybrid tech to push output well beyond the current 371bhp. It’s a clear signal from BMW that while the electric era is here, they aren't ready to pull the plug on internal combustion just yet.

On the electric side of the showroom, the BMW i3 sedan is finally joining the ranks. Built on the highly anticipated Neue Klasse platform, it will launch in i3 40 xDrive and i3 50 xDrive trims. It’s set to share its battery and motor architecture with the upcoming iX3, but the real talk is the interior.

The SUV lineup isn't being left behind either. The next-gen BMW X5 will continue its dual-track strategy, offering both petrol and pure electric variants. While the X5 40 sDrive keeps the rear-wheel-drive tradition alive for the purists, the new iX5 60 xDrive will step in as the high-performance electric heavy-hitter. Interestingly, the petrol-powered X4 seems to be on the chopping block, with reports suggesting it will be replaced entirely by the all-electric iX4.

Finally, the flagship 7 Series gets a refresh with a 740i xDrive variant added to the list. Perhaps most telling is what wasn't there: the BMW Z4 and 8 Series were both missing from the 2027 leak. This adds fuel to the rumours that these low-volume models are reaching the end of the road. BMW has kept quiet since the page was taken down, but the strategy is now out in the open. Between more xDrive options and a massive push for Neue Klasse tech, the next few years look incredibly busy for Munich.

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