by Electric Future and Internal Combustion Engine Heritage
Much has already been said about the future all-electric BMW iM3, and that’s entirely understandable. As the M division’s first serious step into the world of high-performance electric vehicles, it could set the direction for all future M cars in the electric era. However, M is not turning away from tradition just yet. Alongside the electric innovation, an updated M3 with an internal combustion engine is also on the way.
Several new spy shots give us our best look yet at the next-generation ICE-powered M3, showcasing its radical Neue Klasse design. The current M3 sparked lively debates at its debut, largely due to its overly large coffin-shaped kidney grilles. That design element is now becoming a thing of the past.
The Coffin Grilles Are Finally Gone
The front end of the new M3 features redesigned headlights that flow into a central grille, which now consists of two compact kidney-shaped openings, reminiscent of the original Neue Klasse concept. Although the prototype has heavy camouflage and temporary body panels, the overall shape of the headlights and grilles is visible beneath the wrap.
Like any true M car, the G84 M3 will have flared front and rear wheel arches, giving it an impressive stance on the road. The rear will also be very different from the current model, with new LED taillights.
BMW’s 2028 M3 Fixes What You Hate, Drops What You Love
These spy shots also provide a glimpse of the exhaust system, which is likely to be the production version. Unlike other M3 prototypes photographed during testing, which had four exhaust pipes positioned closer to the outer edges of the bumper, on this car they are positioned significantly closer together, similar to the current model.
Interior Expectations
We haven’t yet seen the next-generation M3’s interior without camouflage, but it will likely follow the Neue Klasse interior theme already shown in models like the iX3. Expect a wide ‘Panoramic iDrive’ display, a redesigned steering wheel, and significantly fewer physical buttons than before.
What Will Power the Next ICE M3?
BMW has confirmed that the new M3 will inherit the base 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine from the current car, tuned to meet the latest European emissions standards. According to our sources, the S58 engine is expected to receive support from a 48-volt mild hybrid system, potentially raising power to around 560 horsepower.
Hopefully, BMW will manage to curb weight gain this time. The M5’s transition to a plug-in hybrid powertrain added significant mass, but with only a mild hybrid system, the M3 should avoid that particular pitfall.
The current eight-speed automatic transmission is likely to remain, possibly in an improved form, although, as Carscoops understands, the six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel-drive option may not return. This is a loss for purists, but BMW’s excellent xDrive all-wheel-drive system can still be configured for rear-wheel-drive-only operation if desired.
BMW has not yet set an exact sales start date, but the new M3 could be officially unveiled sometime in 2027 as a 2028 model year vehicle.
The transition to the Neue Klasse era for the M3 symbolizes a complex balance between innovation and heritage. On one hand, moving away from controversial design decisions like the large grilles and integrating hybrid technologies aligns with modern trends and requirements. On the other hand, the potential abandonment of the manual transmission, even as an option, may raise doubts among brand enthusiasts for whom full control over gear shifting was an important part of the “M experience.” The success of this model will depend on whether BMW can preserve the sharp driving sensations and emotional connection that made the M3 famous, while simultaneously integrating cutting-edge technologies and meeting environmental demands. The future will tell if this version becomes the last ICE-powered M3 in history, making its release particularly significant.
