BMW is preparing the next generation of the gasoline-powered M3, recently caught testing at the Nürburgring in Germany.
The model will retain a turbocharged inline-six engine while an electric M3 arrives alongside it in the coming years.
The combustion M3 will follow the Neue Klasse design language from the electric i3 but features a longer hood and different overall proportions.

BMW has shown the upcoming electric M3 through the Concept M Neue Klasse, yet the performance sedan is not shifting entirely to battery power. The high-output version of the i3 electric sedan will share the road with a gasoline M3 for years ahead, and our team has now photographed the next gas-powered M3 during track testing.

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Spy photographers captured the gasoline prototype at speed on the Nürburgring, marking the first sighting of the next M3 in non-electric form. The car appears less compact than its battery-powered counterpart thanks to an extended hood line.

The next 3 Series will adopt the fresh styling direction already visible on the i3, iX3, and the redesigned 2027 X5. The front features connected headlamps and grilles in two horizontal sections divided by a body crease. Headlight shapes taper toward the outer edges, matching the i3 theme, while large L-shaped center intakes sit beside smaller triangular side openings.

KGP Photography|Car and Driver

Wide fenders give the M3 a planted look, complemented by large wheels that cover upgraded brakes. A modest rear spoiler and four prominent exhaust outlets confirm the gasoline powertrain, while the taillights sit higher on the body in a layout similar to the i3.

Although the exterior draws heavily from the i3 Neue Klasse cues, the drivetrain remains distinct. The upcoming M3 is expected to keep a six-cylinder engine and, unlike the M5, will likely forgo a full hybrid system, though mild-hybrid support may be added.

Power will come from an updated version of the current S58 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six. All-wheel drive is anticipated as standard, while a base rear-wheel-drive model may be discontinued. A manual gearbox is also uncertain. Further details will surface over the next year, with the gasoline M3 scheduled to follow the electric version and arrive around 2028.