The upcoming BMW M3 with a combustion engine is being tested at the Nurburgring.
Codenamed G84, the sports sedan will keep the twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine.
BMW has ruled out a plug-in hybrid setup, but a mild hybrid is likely.
Do not expect to see it before 2028.

It is easy to overlook that BMW is working on another gasoline-powered M3 when so much attention focuses on the electric version. Yet another six-cylinder sports sedan is definitely coming. New footage from the Nurburgring captured by Carspotter Jeroen provides our clearest view so far of the car that will replace the current M3. We will probably see many more camouflaged test vehicles because the model is not slated to appear until 2028 at the soonest.

From the limited information BMW has released, the next M3 will not be a plug-in hybrid like the larger M5. It will instead feature a new type of six-cylinder engine, according to Mike Reichelt, Head of Neue Klasse. Some have wondered about a possible switch to a V6, an engine Munich has never used in a production vehicle despite secret prototypes. However, M CEO Frank van Meel has stated clearly that the inline-six will continue.

BMW will likely improve the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter engine further after introducing new pre-chamber ignition technology in Europe. Reports suggest the next M3 could add a mild-hybrid system to satisfy stricter emissions rules. Although the spy video does not reveal it, the G84 may come only with all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.

It Is A Full M Car

The test vehicle features flared fenders that confirm it is a complete M3 rather than the M Performance model BMW briefly listed online for 2027 as the M350 before removing the listing. It does not appear as extreme as the M Concept Neue Klasse since it will not receive the same dramatic aerodynamic elements.

Although the M Concept Neue Klasse previewed next year electric M3, BMW has stated that future models will appear nearly identical whether they use electric power or not. Therefore the new i3 sedan gives a good indication of the gasoline 3 Series arriving soon. The electric and combustion M3 versions should look very similar both inside and out.

You can see that this disguised prototype is still under development because of its temporary headlights and taillights. It remains uncertain whether the chunky ducktail spoiler from the M Concept Neue Klasse is concealed under the camouflage, yet several design elements from the concept will reach production. BMW has already confirmed that the double-yellow headlights and stacked cube-shaped lights on the bumpers will appear on all future M models.

The Next M3 Prototype Features An All-Glass Roof

This prototype seems to have a fixed full-glass panoramic roof without an opening panel. It will not be the only roof choice for the next-generation M3 because BMW will also offer a lightweight version made from flax-based natural fiber composites. The concept mentioned earlier uses this carbon-fiber alternative for the hood air outlets, side mirrors, front splitter, and rear diffuser.

BMW has hinted at producing another M3 Touring with a gasoline engine and possibly offering it in the United States where the current G81 model is not available. The company has not made a final decision, but it is developing a new combustion-powered 3 Series Touring along with the electric i3 Touring. Meanwhile the current M3 is not finished yet, as both the sedan and wagon are expected to stay in production until 2027.

Motor1 Take: Although the electric M3 may seem wrong to enthusiasts, they can be reassured that BMW is readying another generation powered by a six-cylinder engine. This video provides clear evidence of the company commitment to the inline-six, which now satisfies the Euro 7 emissions standard. That indicates it still has a long future, similar to the V8 that also meets the latest rules.

We should get our first look at the new inline-six 3 Series when the M350 arrives, possibly before the end of the year, as the replacement for the M340i. Since BMW is expected to keep the new 3 Series on sale until around the middle of the next decade, this could be the final generation of the 3 Series to offer a six-cylinder engine.

The EU wants automakers to reduce CO2 emissions by 90 percent by 2035 compared with 2021 levels, so we would not expect the inline-six to continue past the next-generation 3 Series. Of course we would not mind if BMW proves us wrong.