- G84 M3 keeps the S58 twin turbo six with key internal updates.
- Early reports point to a mild hybrid boost nearing 560 horses.
- Neue Klasse design changes will reshape the M3 inside and out.
Plenty has already been said about BMW’s forthcoming all-electric iM3, and for good reason. As the M division’s first serious venture into high-performance EVs, it could very well shape the direction of every M car to come in the electric age. Still, M isn’t turning its back on tradition just yet. Alongside the electric newcomer, there’s also a fresh, combustion-powered M3 on the way.
Several new spy shots give us our best taste of the next-gen ICE M3, complete with its radical Neue Klasse design. The current M3 sparked plenty of debate when it debuted for the 2020 model year, largely thanks to its oversized, coffin-shaped kidney grilles. That design element is on the chopping block.
The Coffin Grilles Are Finally Gone
The front end of the new M3 features reworked headlights that sweep cleanly into the central grille, now made up of two compact kidney openings reminiscent of the original Neue Klasse concept. Although the prototype wears heavy camo and temporary body panels, the general shape of the lights and grilles is visible beneath the wrap.
As with any proper M car, the G84 M3 will include flared front and rear wheel arches, giving it an imposing stance on the road. The rear will also be very different than the current car, complete with new LED headlights.
Read: BMW’s 2028 M3 Fixes What You Hate, Drops What You Love
These spy shots also preview what will likely be the production model’s exhaust setup. Whereas other M3 prototypes snapped testing have had their quad pipes positioned towards the outer edges of the bumper, they sit much closer together on this car, similar to the current model.
SHproshots
We haven’t yet seen the next-gen M3’s cabin uncovered, but it will probably follow the Neue Klasse interior theme already shown in models like the iX3. Expect a widescreen ‘Panoramic iDrive’ display, a reworked steering wheel, and far fewer physical controls than before.
What Powers the Next ICE M3?
BMW has confirmed that the new M3 will carry over the core 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six from the current car, tuned to meet the latest European emissions standards. According to our sources, the S58 engine is expected to be supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, potentially lifting output to around 560 horsepower.
Hopefully, BMW will keep weight gain in check this time. The M5’s shift to plug-in hybrid power added significant bulk, but with only a mild hybrid setup, the M3 should sidestep that particular pitfall.
The current eight-speed automatic is likely to carry over, possibly in improved form, though Carscoops understands that the six-speed manual and rear-wheel drive option may not return. It’s a loss for purists, but BMW’s excellent xDrive all-wheel-drive system can still be configured to drive the rear wheels only when desired.
BMW hasn’t nailed down a launch date yet, but the new M3 may be officially revealed sometime in 2027 as a 2028 model.
