The New ICE BMW M3 Fixes What You Hated, Drops What You Loved

The next generation of BMW’s iconic sports sedan is shaping up to be a tale of two powertrains. One will be a fully electric iM3, bristling with power and digital simulation. The other, more familiar to purists, is a combustion-powered M3 that may well serve as the final swansong for BMW’s fire-breathing inline-six. That’s the one we’re focusing on here.

Codenamed G84, the next M3 dips into the brand’s Neue Klasse design philosophy, but ups the ante with a mild hybrid twist.

Also: BMW’s Neue Klasse Plan Starts To Blur As You Look At The 2027 5-Series

Based on a combination of early details and our interpretation of recent spy shots, read on as we explore everything we know about BMW’s next high-performance sports sedan.

Coffins No More

Arguably, the most controversial aspect of the current M3 was its double coffin grille. While many grew accustomed to the bold snoz, the new car leans heavily into BMW’s Neue Klasse design language with much smaller kidneys flanked by a wrap-around lighting panel.

Further down, a massive lower intake features geometric ducting to channel air to the intercooler and brakes, while the hood has a recessed center channel. Side profile highlights include enormous M-spec wheels and brakes, reductive surfacing with soft contours, flush door handles and minimal creases. 

The rear view is dominated by muscular haunches, a multi-channel diffuser, OLED tail lamps, a subtle integrated lip spoiler, and a quad exhaust system.

Interior Smarts

Inside, the new M3 adopts BMW’s next-generation cabin ethos, headlined by the sweeping “Panoramic iDrive” pillar-to-pillar display, as seen in the new iX3 SUV. A large 17.9-inch tablet-style central display runs BMW Operating System X, bringing improved voice control, richer graphics and a more intuitive interface. 

Expect a reduction in physical switchgear, a chunky M steering wheel, bucket seating, and higher-grade materials to help bridge the gap between the standard 3 Series and the flagship M5. Active safety tech will take a major step forward, with an improved sensor suite and semi-autonomous capabilities.

CLAR Platform

While the electric iM3 will ride on BMW’s all-new Neue Klasse architecture, the ICE M3 deviates by sticking with an evolved CLAR platform from the current model. Unlike the larger M5, this will prevent the M3 from turning into an absolute porker.  

See: BMW’s New iX4 Could Finally Give The Model Y Something To Worry About

The mild-hybrid hardware, larger brakes, added structural bracing, and standard xDrive all-wheel drive will likely increase mass compared with today’s G80, but this will be offset by increased aluminium usage. 

Inline-Six Returns, The Manual Doesn’t

Shproshots

Under the hood will be a revised S58-derived 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This system will provide increased low-RPM torque while trimming fuel consumption.

Also: BMW’s Electric iM3 Tries To Simulate Everything It Just Replaced

Outputs are expected to exceed 523 hp, placing it above today’s M3 Competition, though it won’t come close to the wild four-figure figures projected for the electric iM3. According to early reports, the new four-door M3 will be offered exclusively with an 8-speed automatic and xDrive all-wheel drive. A manual gearbox and rear-wheel-drive layout are not expected to return for this generation.

BMW has yet to officially confirm these details. If they hold true, it will be a disappointment for enthusiasts who value driver engagement over outright speed. Still, there’s talk that the manual may live on in the M2 and M4 coupes through the end of their model cycles later this decade.

Rivals and Reveal

The M3’s key rivals include the Mercedes-AMG C63, which may switch to a straight-six engine for the first time ever, the upcoming Audi RS5, Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and Alfa Romeo’s aging Giulia Quadrifoglio.  

While some sources suggest an early 2028 debut, current test mules appear far more production-ready, suggesting BMW could pull the wraps off as early as 2027.

What’s your take on the new M3’s evolution, and should the inline-six continue into the next generation? Let us know in the comments below.