In 2023, it seemed the next BMW M3 would be fully electric only. However, it now appears BMW’s next super saloon will also be available with a mild-hybrid petrol powertrain. They are both a way off, with a 2028 delivery date.
The pair will be similar to behold, based on the Neue Klasse Sedan concept, even if performance favours one over the other. Expect the usual chunkier wheel arches, larger rims, bigger diffusers and special bumpers. Also coming is BMW’s dash-wide ‘Panoramic iDrive’.
Originally BMW planned just an all-electric M3. However, the firm’s development boss, Frank Weber, recently indicated the existing 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine now meets Euro 7 emissions regulations. Mild-hybrid technology plays a role here and it will be the first time hybrid power has been used in an M3. The chosen engine is not yet clear but it is unlikely to be a four-pot. Evidently, whatever the engine, it will have a new cylinder firing order and revised cooling to save weight. Overall, the car may be around 1500kg, which hasn’t been seen since early 2000s models. Even then it was the M3 CSL coupé with carbon panels.
The mild hybrid is unlikely to be a lot stroppier than the current M3 Competition (390kW and 650Nm).
The pure-electric M3, dubbed iM3, no doubt, will likely weigh 400-500kg more but should come with a tonne more grunt. How much as yet is undisclosed.
With highly adjustable power distribution between all four motors the iM3 should retain the traditional driving fun experience of the M3. BMW’s M division boss, Frank van Meel, told Auto Express they will not require 1000kW of power for the iM3. However, more potent electric CS and CSL variants will likely follow at some point.
BMW is also experimenting with simulated gearchange technology like in the Ioniq 5 N. The firm says acoustic and haptic feedback are important for determining speed.
The new M3’s design will be heavily inspired by the Neue Klasse 3 Series sedan concept, along with usual M division embellishments. With better heat management the ICE power variant might not need so many vents.
Inside, expect BMW’s new ‘Panoramic iDrive’. This will feature a full-width display on the dashboard, a large central touchscreen and a futuristic steering wheel.
The standard Neue Klasse 3 Series debuts next year, and the iM3 is due to dot down in 2027 alongside the mild hybrid M3.
Rivals include Ioniq 6 N, Tesla Model 3 Performance and perhaps a QF version of the upcoming electric Alfa Romeo Giulia.
Why yes, as it happens. A high-performance estate version of the current M3 is due soon, and it should feature the same 404kW engine as the M4 CS coupé. There’s 650Nm of torque, an eight-speed auto and rear-biased AWD system with active rear differential. A 0-100km/h time of 3.6sec is likely, much the same as for the M3 sedan. Lowered and stiffened suspension, lighter wheels and carbon-fibre elements contribute to reduced weight and better dynamics.
Dubbed BMW M3 CS Touring, it has previously been spied testing on the Nurburgring. It will feature an even more aggressive front end design with a new splitter and aero fins. Expect a fresh grille design and yellow DRLs, like on the M4 CS. It will drip carbon fibre, both inside and out. That also means a fair old premium on the regular M3 Touring which costs just south of $200k here.
