Next Generation BMW M3 Spied Testing With Turbocharged Six Cylinder Power at Nürburgring
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The next generation BMW M3 is taking shape, and fresh spy shots from Germany confirm that BMW is not giving up on petrol performance just yet. While the company is preparing to launch its first fully electric M3, the traditional six cylinder powered model is also under development and has now been spotted testing at the famous Nürburgring circuit.
The upcoming BMW M3 will continue to offer a turbocharged inline six engine while adopting BMW’s latest Neue Klasse design language. This means buyers will soon have a choice between electric and petrol powered M3 models.
Next Generation BMW M3 Spotted at Nürburgring
BMW has been teasing its future electric M3 through the Concept M Neue Klasse. However, these latest spy images confirm that the combustion powered M3 remains an important part of the company’s performance lineup.
The prototype seen testing at the Nürburgring is the first non electric version of the next generation M3 to be spotted in public. Compared with the electric M3 prototypes, this model has noticeably different proportions, especially at the front.
Key highlights include:
- Longer bonnet compared to the electric M3.
- Wider body with muscular wheel arches.
- Four large exhaust tips confirming its petrol engine.
- Aggressive performance focused front bumper.
- Larger performance brakes behind sporty alloy wheels.
Neue Klasse Design Comes to the Petrol M3
Although the powertrain remains traditional, the exterior design follows BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse styling direction.
The front end appears to feature connected headlights and kidney grilles arranged in two horizontal sections, separated by a body coloured panel. The headlights extend sharply toward the corners, giving the car a cleaner and more modern appearance similar to upcoming BMW models.
The front bumper also receives several performance upgrades, including:
| Exterior Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Headlights | Slim design inspired by Neue Klasse models |
| Kidney Grille | Connected horizontal layout |
| Front Bumper | Large L shaped air openings with additional side intakes |
| Wheel Arches | Wide and muscular for a sportier stance |
| Rear Spoiler | Integrated lip spoiler |
| Exhaust | Quad exhaust outlets exclusive to petrol model |
Longer Bonnet Separates It From the Electric M3
One of the biggest differences between the petrol and electric versions is the overall body shape.
The combustion powered M3 has a significantly longer bonnet, making it look more like a traditional sports sedan. The electric version has shorter front overhangs because it does not require space for a large petrol engine.
Despite these differences, both cars will share BMW’s latest design identity that is already appearing on the upcoming i3, iX3 and future X5 models.
Turbocharged Six Cylinder Engine Expected to Continue
Under the bonnet, the next generation BMW M3 is expected to retain a six cylinder engine rather than switching completely to electrification.
Reports suggest BMW will use an updated version of the current S58 3.0 litre twin turbocharged inline six engine, which already powers today’s M3 and M4.
Expected powertrain details include:
- Updated S58 twin turbocharged 3.0 litre inline six engine.
- Possible mild hybrid assistance.
- No full hybrid system expected.
- Standard all wheel drive on most variants.
- Rear wheel drive version may be discontinued.
BMW has not confirmed official performance figures yet.
Manual Gearbox May Not Return
One disappointing rumour surrounding the next generation M3 involves the transmission.
Current reports suggest BMW may discontinue the manual gearbox for the new generation. If that happens, buyers can expect the M3 to be offered with an automatic transmission only.
BMW has not officially confirmed this decision, so enthusiasts will have to wait for further announcements.
Petrol and Electric M3 Will Be Sold Together
Unlike many manufacturers that are replacing combustion models entirely, BMW plans to offer both versions of the M3 at the same time.
The fully electric M3 is expected to arrive first, followed by the petrol powered model sometime during 2028. This strategy allows buyers to choose the powertrain that best suits their driving style while BMW continues its transition toward electrification.
Expected Features at a Glance
| Specification | Expected Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | Updated S58 3.0 litre twin turbo inline six |
| Electrification | Possible mild hybrid |
| Drivetrain | Primarily all wheel drive |
| Transmission | Automatic expected |
| Rear Wheel Drive | May be discontinued |
| Exhaust | Quad exhaust tips |
| Launch Timeline | Expected during 2028 after the electric M3 |
Final Thoughts
The next generation BMW M3 is shaping up to be an interesting chapter for BMW M. While the brand prepares for its first electric M3, it is also keeping its iconic six cylinder sports sedan alive.
The latest Nürburgring prototype shows familiar M performance cues combined with BMW’s fresh Neue Klasse styling. If current reports prove accurate, enthusiasts will still get a turbocharged inline six, although the manual gearbox could become a thing of the past.
More official details are expected over the coming months as BMW continues testing both the petrol and electric versions before their expected arrival in 2028.
Sources & References
Official Sources
- BMW USA M Concept Neue Klasse
- Official BMW USA page showcasing the M Concept Neue Klasse and BMW’s future M design language.
- BMW Global Newsroom
- BMW’s official global media newsroom with press releases, images, and product announcements.
- BMW USA Official Website
- Official BMW USA website covering current models, future concepts, and brand information.
Trusted Automotive Sources
- Car and Driver Spy Shot Report
- Detailed report covering the next generation gas powered BMW M3 testing at the Nürburgring.
- Car and Driver BMW M3 Future Overview
- Overview of the upcoming 2028 BMW M3, expected features, and development timeline.
- Car and Driver Concept M Neue Klasse Coverage
- Covers the unveiling of the BMW Concept M Neue Klasse and previews the future electric M3.
- Road & Track BMW News
- Trusted source for BMW news, future models, and performance vehicle coverage.
- Motor1 BMW News
- Regular updates on BMW spy shots, launches, reviews, and industry news.
- Autoblog BMW Section
- Automotive news, reviews, spy photos, and buying guides focused on BMW models.
2028 BMW M3 FAQ
Will the next generation BMW M3 still have a petrol engine?
Yes. BMW has confirmed through its ongoing development that the next generation M3 will continue with a turbocharged inline six petrol engine alongside the upcoming electric M3. Buyers will be able to choose between petrol and electric versions.
What engine is expected in the new BMW M3?
The new BMW M3 is expected to use an updated version of BMW's S58 3.0 litre twin turbocharged inline six engine. It is the same engine family used in the current M3 and M4 but with further improvements.
Will the 2028 BMW M3 be a hybrid?
The next generation BMW M3 is not expected to receive a full hybrid system like the latest M5. However, reports suggest it could use a mild hybrid system to improve efficiency and performance.
Will the petrol BMW M3 use Neue Klasse styling?
Yes. Although it keeps a combustion engine, the next generation M3 is expected to adopt BMW's Neue Klasse design language. It will feature slimmer headlights, a redesigned kidney grille and a cleaner exterior design.
How is the petrol BMW M3 different from the electric M3?
The petrol M3 has a noticeably longer bonnet because it houses a six cylinder engine. The electric version has shorter front overhangs due to its battery electric platform, although both models share BMW's latest design language.
Will the next BMW M3 have all wheel drive?
Current reports indicate that most versions of the next generation BMW M3 will come with all wheel drive as standard. BMW has not officially confirmed the complete lineup yet.
Is the rear wheel drive BMW M3 being discontinued?
There are reports suggesting that the entry level rear wheel drive version could be discontinued. BMW has not officially confirmed this information.
Will the manual transmission return in the new BMW M3?
At this stage, the manual gearbox is unlikely to return. Reports indicate the next generation M3 could be offered only with an automatic transmission, although BMW has not made an official announcement.
What design features were seen on the Nürburgring test car?
The prototype featured wide wheel arches, a longer bonnet, large performance brakes, aggressive front air intakes, a subtle rear lip spoiler and four large exhaust tips, confirming it is the petrol powered M3.
When will the next generation BMW M3 launch?
The fully electric BMW M3 is expected to arrive first. The petrol powered next generation BMW M3 is expected to follow sometime during 2028.
