Days after teasing an electrical M3, BMW is raring to remind us that engines nonetheless have a future at M. New spy photographs of the gasoline-fueled M3 reveal a check mule of the “G84,” wrapped in camouflage from entrance to rear. You may simply inform it’s not the lesser M Efficiency model by the bulging fenders at each axles. It additionally seems to have bigger air intakes than the M340i-replacing M350 we’ll see later this 12 months.
The next-generation 3 Sequence (G50) in M Lite guise has additionally been noticed repeatedly, and we’ve seen one thing lacking. Each M flavors seem to cast off the M-specific mirrors, however BMW may be saving these for near-production prototypes. Then once more, the contemporary design language ushered in by Neue Klasse favors a minimalist method. Dropping the look-at-me M mirrors in favor of a extra streamlined look would align with the corporate’s concentrate on decluttering design.
Elsewhere, the broader rear tires are a telltale signal we’re coping with the full-fat M3. A quad exhaust system has additionally been noticed on M350 prototypes, however the setup right here is totally different. The 2 pairs are positioned nearer to the middle of the bumper. On the M Efficiency prototypes, the guidelines have been farther aside, close to the rear bumper corners.
Though this can be a check mule and doesn’t have all the ultimate bits in place, the Neue Klasse design is straight away apparent. The official reveal is scheduled for someday in 2028, however we’ll get a very good understanding of the design a lot sooner. The eighth-generation 3 Sequence premieres later this 12 months, full with an M350 as one of many variations accessible at launch. The not-quite-M automotive will morph right into a full-blown M3 with beefier fenders, wider tracks, and extra meat on the tires.
It might’ve been nice to see the brand new M3 in 2026, when the unique E30 mannequin celebrates its fortieth anniversary. Even so, the truth that we’re even getting a brand new M3 with a combustion engine ought to be lots to please fans. BMW has already confirmed a “new sort of six-cylinder engine.” It received’t be a V6, however most definitely a mild-hybrid model of the “S58.” The dual-turbo, 3.0-liter unit must be electrified to cross Euro 7 laws.
Though at present’s G80 could be had with a guide gearbox and rear-wheel drive, we’re undecided that would be the case with its successor. Our sources near BMW have indicated the G84 could possibly be an automatic-only affair and solely xDrive. Hopefully, insiders will likely be confirmed flawed, and the clutch pedal will stick round for one more M3 era.
We should always realistically anticipate the G84 to be the ultimate M3 with a combustion engine. Manufacturing is reportedly set to begin within the second half of 2028 and finish in late 2034. That may give the automotive a comparatively quick life cycle, however these dates aren’t set in stone. With the European Union reverting its gross sales ban on new gasoline automobiles from 2035, BMW would have the liberty to increase manufacturing of ICE fashions.
For now, the G84 is the one next-generation M automotive with a gasoline engine that BMW has confirmed. Nonetheless, the X5 M and X6 M are additionally anticipated to maintain ICE energy sooner or later G95 and G96 generations, respectively. The high-performance SUVs with V8 engines are coming later this decade, once they’ll be joined by electrical M derivatives.
