New BMW M5 And Electric M3 Spied Testing Flat Out At Nürburgring
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BMW is preparing one of the biggest changes in M division history. Fresh spy shots from the Nürburgring show the upcoming facelifted BMW M5 and the all electric BMW M3 testing side by side at high speed. Both performance sedans are expected to arrive in 2027, and both point toward a very different future for BMW M cars.
The biggest headline here is simple. BMW’s first fully electric M3 is almost ready, while the M5 continues with a plug in hybrid V8 setup.
According to reports and recent Nürburgring testing footage, BMW is pushing both cars hard before their official debut.
Electric BMW M3 And BMW M5 LCI Seen Testing
The prototypes were spotted during aggressive testing laps at the Nürburgring in Germany. Even under heavy camouflage, the design direction is obvious.
BMW is moving both cars toward the Neue Klasse styling language already previewed on newer BMW concepts and upcoming EVs.
Key exterior details spotted
- Horizontal kidney grille design
- Slim modern headlights
- Wider stance with aggressive aero parts
- Large front air intakes on the M5
- Full width style rear lighting setup
- Traditional BMW roundel placed at the center of the trunk
The facelifted BMW M5 appears slightly less disguised at the front. BMW has already exposed some bumper details, especially the large cooling openings needed for the hybrid V8 setup.
The electric M3, meanwhile, carries a cleaner front design that matches BMW’s future EV lineup.
Neue Klasse Design Is Clearly Taking Over
BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse platform will influence nearly every future model from the brand. That includes the next generation i3, iX3, updated 7 Series, and now BMW M cars too.
Even though the electric M3 and M5 use different platforms underneath, they share similar front end styling. That tells us BMW wants a more unified family look going forward.
At the rear, both cars are expected to feature wide taillights stretching across most of the car’s width. BMW has already started using this design approach on newer luxury models.
BMW Is Completely Redesigning The Interior
The cabin changes could end up being even bigger than the exterior updates.
BMW plans to introduce a totally new dashboard layout across future vehicles. The M5 facelift and electric M3 are both expected to get:
- Large central touchscreen
- Panoramic pillar to pillar display projection
- Minimal physical buttons
- Updated software and interface
- Possible passenger display for the M5
One detail many BMW fans may not like is the removal of the iDrive rotary controller. BMW has already started reducing physical controls in newer models, and these M cars will likely continue that trend.
The company seems fully committed to the “less is more” interior philosophy, although opinions remain divided among enthusiasts.
Hybrid Power Stays In The BMW M5
BMW is not abandoning combustion power completely just yet.
The updated M5 will continue using a plug in hybrid V8 powertrain. While exact facelift specifications remain unknown, the current M5 already produces massive performance figures using its electrified setup.
BMW appears focused on balancing emissions regulations with performance instead of removing gasoline engines overnight.
Still, many enthusiasts continue asking for a lighter non hybrid M5 option.
Gas Powered BMW M3 Will Still Exist
The fully electric M3 will not replace the traditional six cylinder M3 immediately.
Reports suggest BMW is also developing another gas powered M3 that could arrive roughly a year after the EV version. That model is expected to keep the famous inline six engine alive, although some level of electrification will likely be added.
Current rumors suggest:
| Expected Feature | Rumored Setup |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0 liter inline six |
| Hybrid tech | Mild hybrid system |
| Drivetrain | All wheel drive only |
| Transmission | Automatic only |
If accurate, this would mark another major shift for BMW M. Manual gearboxes and rear wheel drive setups may slowly disappear from future high performance models.
BMW M Touring Expansion Could Continue
BMW will reportedly give the M5 Touring the same Neue Klasse inspired redesign inside and out.
There are also growing rumors about an electric M3 Touring. BMW has not officially confirmed it yet, but demand for high performance wagons continues growing in several global markets.
BMW has already confirmed another generation of the 3 Series wagon, although the company remains silent about a full M version for now.
The Nürburgring Testing Matters
The Nürburgring remains one of the most important proving grounds for performance cars. Manufacturers test there because the circuit pushes handling, cooling, braking, and durability harder than almost anywhere else.
Seeing both cars testing aggressively suggests BMW is already deep into final development stages.
For BMW M fans, this moment feels important. The brand is entering a period where electric performance, hybrid technology, and traditional six cylinder engines will all exist together.
That may actually work in BMW’s favor. Buyers who want EV performance can choose the electric M3, while traditional enthusiasts still get an inline six option.
BMW M Is Entering A Completely New Era
The next few years could completely reshape the BMW M lineup.
The pure internal combustion era is clearly fading, but BMW is not forcing every customer into an EV immediately. Instead, the company seems to be offering multiple paths at once.
That approach could help BMW keep both traditional enthusiasts and newer EV buyers interested in the M brand.
Sources and References
- BMW Official USA
Official BMW website for the United States. Best source for future BMW models, specifications, pricing, and press releases. - BMW Canada
Official Canadian BMW website with local pricing, model details, and upcoming vehicle information. - BMW M Official
Dedicated official BMW M division website focused on M performance cars, technology, and motorsport inspired models. - CarSpyMedia YouTube Channel
Popular automotive spy channel featuring Nürburgring testing videos and prototype sightings. - BMW Group PressClub Global
Official BMW media and press portal used for verified announcements, images, technical details, and future product updates. - Nürburgring Official Website
Official Nürburgring website with circuit information, events, and automotive testing background.
