Next-Generation BMW M3 Spotted Testing with Six-Cylinder Power

Key Takeaways

• The next-generation BMW M3 will continue to offer a turbocharged six-cylinder engine.
• The M3 will adopt the Neue Klasse styling seen on the electric i3 sedan, but with different proportions and a longer hood.
• The gas-powered M3 will live alongside the electric M3 for the foreseeable future.
• The M3 has an assertive stance thanks to wide wheel arches and sporty-looking wheels.
• The engine is expected to be a reworked version of the existing S58 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six.

What’s New with the Next-Generation M3?

The next-generation BMW M3 has been spotted testing at the Nürburgring, and it’s clear that the iconic sports sedan is getting a major update. The M3 will continue to offer a turbocharged six-cylinder engine, although BMW is also launching an electric M3 in the near future.

The gas-powered M3 will adopt the Neue Klasse styling seen on the electric i3 sedan, but with different proportions and a longer hood. The front end appears to have the headlights and kidney grilles connected in two horizontal pieces, separated by an indentation in the bodywork.

Design and Styling

The M3 has an assertive stance thanks to wide wheel arches that sprout from the body and sporty-looking wheels that hide bigger, stronger brakes. At the rear, there’s a small lip spoiler and four large exhaust tips, clearly distinguishing this M3 as the gas-powered variant.

The taillights appear to be mounted fairly high, similar to the i3. The performance-focused changes are seen up front, where two large L-shaped openings in the center of the bumper are flanked by smaller triangular intakes on the outer edges.

Powertrain and Performance

The engine is expected to be a reworked version of the existing S58 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. The M3 will almost certainly come with all-wheel drive, but rumors suggest that the entry-level rear-wheel-drive version could be on the chopping block.

Some light mild-hybrid assistance is possible, but it’s unlikely that the M3 will feature a full hybrid setup like its M5 big brother. Sadly, we’re also not so sure the manual transmission will return.

Availability and Pricing

More details should emerge over the next year or so, with the gas-powered next-generation M3 expected to arrive after the electric variant sometime in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the next-generation M3 be available with a manual transmission?

It’s unclear at this time, but rumors suggest that the manual transmission may not return.

Q: Will the M3 feature a full hybrid setup?

No, the M3 is unlikely to feature a full hybrid setup like its M5 big brother.

Q: When can we expect the next-generation M3 to arrive?

The gas-powered next-generation M3 is expected to arrive after the electric variant sometime in the future.