The 2028 BMW M3 is taking shape with a gasoline-powered mild-hybrid powertrain and styling that separates it from the upcoming electric M3. New spy photos show the next-generation G84 near the Nürburgring with near-production-ready bodywork, revealing several design differences from the electric model.
2028 BMW M3 Gets Unique Styling
While the electric BMW M3 features a lower fascia with two rectangular intakes separated by a central partition, a vented hood and a rear diffuser with rectangular elements, the gas-powered M3 takes a more traditional approach.
The prototype’s hood remains covered by false cladding, so it is unclear whether a vented design is hidden underneath. However, the front fascia is already noticeably different, with expected subtle changes to the kidney grilles and more prominent trapezoidal side intakes designed to cool the brakes.
The central lower intake is divided in a design similar to the trimaran treatment seen on the M Vision Neue Klasse concept. At the rear, however, the rectangular elements are less pronounced, making room for the large quad-tipped exhaust outlets traditionally associated with gas-powered M cars.
A subtle lip spoiler sits on top of the trunk, while slightly wider fenders surround wheels that appear to be carried over from the current M3. Production models are expected to receive new wheel designs.
Gold-colored brake calipers visible behind the wheels could indicate carbon-ceramic brakes, although those are expected to remain optional. The prototype also retains under-vinyl cladding across the front and rear fenders, hood and bumpers, leaving additional design details concealed.
The front fenders appear to feature a recess, potentially replacing the current style of decorative fender vents with a design that contributes to airflow around the wheel wells. Whether the M3 will ultimately receive vented fenders remains unknown.
2028 BMW M3 Expected to Deliver More Power
The new M3 is expected to use a refined version of BMW’s S58 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, featuring pre-chamber ignition for a cleaner burn and mild electrification.
The current M3 Competition produces up to 503 horsepower, while new base M3 models have typically produced more power than the most extreme version of the previous generation. In this case, that would mean exceeding the 523-hp M3 CS or the 543-hp M4 CSL.
Comparable models from AMG and Audi Sport already exceed 600 horsepower, meaning the next M3 could potentially occupy the same general performance range. BMW is also expected to leave additional room for future CS variants.
Because the new M3 will use only mild electrification, unlike the Audi RS 5 or current C 63, its baseline power figure could remain below some competitors. However, the article notes that how a BMW handles has historically been more important than outright horsepower figures.
The current M3 is scheduled to end production after the 2027 model year. The new G84 is expected to be revealed toward the end of next year as a 2028 model, bringing a new generation of the combustion-powered BMW M3 with distinctive styling and mild-hybrid technology.
