Four exhaust pipes confirm that the new BMW M3 remains powerful (2 photos)

Next-generation BMW M3 with internal combustion engine

A prototype of the next-generation BMW M3 has been spotted testing with a six-cylinder internal combustion engine. BMW M has previously said that the new model will feature mild hybrid technology. The internal combustion engine version of the M3 could arrive about a year after the all-electric version.

Electrification and the preservation of traditional engines

Sports cars are likely to remain the last bastion of the internal combustion engine era, but BMW M is gradually introducing electrification. The first fully electric car of the M sub-brand will be the M3. Spy photographers have already captured prototypes several times over the past year, and now they have managed to capture a model with a gasoline engine. The sedan has a familiar Neue Klasse design, which is very similar to its electric counterpart.

Additional air intakes and dynamic design

However, upon closer inspection, you can notice additional air intakes in the front bumper. They are covered with a mesh, but it is obvious that this sports sedan needs additional cooling. At the rear, the differences are even more noticeable: instead of a simple bumper, a sports exhaust system with four pipes is installed. The bumper itself has also been modified - it has cutouts and a less aerodynamic shape.

Exterior and Interior

The rest of the car looks familiar, but it features flared wheel arches, alloy wheels and a high-performance braking system. There are also integrated door handles, a small rear spoiler and a more dynamic roofline. Photographers were not able to take a look inside, but preliminary images of the electric version showed that the interior will follow the design of the new iX3. Panoramic iDrive and Operating System X are expected, as well as a 17.9-inch infotainment system and a new steering wheel.



Technical Features

Not many details are known about the model at the moment, but BMW M Development Director Dirk Hecker said that the car will get an inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This will increase performance and efficiency, avoiding the extra weight and charging requirements of a fully electric model. The model is expected to have a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine, a small battery and an electric motor integrated into the transmission. This should provide power higher than the current figures of 473 hp, 503 hp and 523 hp.

Market prospects

How much power will increase is still a big question. We’ll probably have to wait, as the combustion engine version is likely to arrive about a year after the electric M3. This means a petrol version could debut in 2028.

BMW continues to balance innovation and tradition, offering sports car enthusiasts the choice between an electric version and a model with an internal combustion engine. Mild hybrid technology combines the advantages of both powertrains, making the new M3 even more versatile and appealing to different categories of buyers. The car is expected to maintain its leading position in the segment thanks to its combination of dynamics, efficiency and modern technology.