Article Summary
- The M350 xDrive delivers 428 lb-ft of torque, exceeding both the standard F80 M3 and the Competition Package, which each provide 406 lb-ft, by 22 lb-ft since the Competition variant did not enhance torque over the base model.
- With a power output of 437 hp / 443 PS, the M350 surpasses the base F80 M3 and falls just 7 hp short of the Competition Package’s 444 hp.
- Nevertheless, the F80 benefits from lower weight, a simpler drivetrain (RWD with a manual option), and rear-wheel-drive dynamics that the M350 will mimic using its upcoming Drift Moment mode in 2027.
The latest BMW M350 xDrive produces more torque than any F80 M3 variant, including the Competition Package, exceeding the base model’s 406 lb-ft. The Competition Package, aimed at optimizing the M3's performance while ensuring warranty coverage, did not boost torque. Now, an M Performance model excels in a vital factor influencing cornering performance.
This discussion goes beyond simple figures; it portrays the evolution of BMW’s performance range, which is no longer just categorized as an alternative.
The Previous Setup
Traditionally, the selection was clear: choose the six-cylinder variants like the 335i or M340i for enjoyable driving without the complications and expenses associated with M models. These options offered a performance equilibrium without the need for track-oriented attributes, and the performance divide was so stark that comparisons were infrequent. However, this divide is closing with each successive generation of the 3 Series, which is exhilarating for BMW fans.
The Excitement of the New M350
The M350 xDrive, delivering 437 hp in the US and 443 PS in Germany, is significant not only for its power but for what it outperforms. The standard F80 M3 had 425 hp, while the M350 surpasses it by 12 hp. The F80 M3 Competition Package, which requires a price hike to attain 444 hp, only outpaces the M350 by a trivial 7 hp, a difference noticeable in driving dynamics due to various upgrades.
Regarding torque, the M350's 428 lb-ft eclipses both F80 variants by 22 lb-ft, as the S55 engine did not receive a torque upgrade with the Competition Package. The addition of a 48V mild hybrid system has enabled enhanced low-end torque that the previous M engine could not deliver.
