The BMW M3 is headed toward electrification, a prospect that may inspire both curiosity and concern. The model has evolved from four cylinders to six and eight over the years, and is now even offered as an all-wheel-drive automatic wagon—and we’ve enjoyed each version. Still, we aren’t ready for the combustion-powered M3 to disappear. Fortunately, BMW isn’t ready to retire it either.
A fresh batch of spy photos highlights that the combustion M3 will continue even as BMW promotes the upcoming electric version. Unlike earlier prototypes, this car wears the production LED headlights already shown in full on the regular i3 sedan. We expect those lights to switch to M Yellow after dark, as previewed by BMW M on this year’s M Vision Neue Klasse M3 concept.
The electric and gasoline M3s should appear broadly similar, though their proportions and details will differ. Both use BMW’s Neue Klasse design language, but their underlying engineering is completely different. The EV will use the NK platform, while the combustion model will receive an updated version of the current CLAR architecture and a longer hood for its six-cylinder engine.
That powerplant will be a heavily revised version of the current S58 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, almost certainly with mild-hybrid assistance. A BMW M executive mentioned that setup during the M5 launch in 2024. Output should rise modestly above the 523 hp (530 PS) produced by today’s M3 Competition, but the car is unlikely to lead a horsepower race.
M350 Piles On The Pressure
The exception may be BMW’s internal contest with the M Performance M350. Rumors suggest the M350 could become considerably more powerful: BimmerToday reports that the X3 M50’s 3.0-liter inline-six may increase from 393 hp (398 PS) to 437 hp (443 PS) next year before being fitted to the M350 sedan. Prototypes also hint at possible quad tailpipes in the style of the M3, although they would be spaced farther apart. Only the M3 is expected to receive wider fenders and a hood scoop, and it may retain a manual transmission, according to a hint from BMW M boss Frank Van Meel. Buyers who want a gasoline M3 will need to wait. The production M3 EV is expected next year, while the combustion model many BMW fans will regard as the true M3 is not due until 2028.
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