BMW is gearing up for the subsequent chapter within the M3 Sedan’s legacy, with the next-generation ICE mannequin—formally confirmed by BMW M CEO Frank van Meel in current interviews. Now, the primary spy pictures of an early mule prototype have surfaced, providing lovers their first glimpse of the upcoming efficiency sedan in movement.
A Mule with Widened Fenders and M {Hardware}
The prototype caught testing isn’t but sporting its manufacturing physique. As an alternative, it sports activities makeshift widened fenders, a trademark of early improvement vehicles designed to check new chassis dimensions and suspension geometry with out revealing remaining design cues. Even on this early stage, the stance seems to be daring and aggressive.
Behind the camouflage, some key M particulars are clearly seen. The mule is fitted with cross-drilled brake discs entrance and rear, clamped by giant M-specific calipers for max stopping energy. The automobile additionally rides on M aluminum rims, one other signal that BMW engineers are already fine-tuning the high-performance {hardware}. On the rear, the signature quad exhaust pipes verify that that is no odd 3 Sequence, protecting alive a design custom stretching again to the E46 M3.
Camouflage and Neue Klasse Design Cues
Like most early BMW take a look at vehicles, the G84 mule depends on heavy camouflage and plastic cladding to disguise its manufacturing particulars. Nonetheless, some options are onerous to overlook. Up entrance, the prototype clearly exhibits a departure from immediately’s outsized kidney grille, shifting towards the elongated, horizontal grille design seen on current Neue Klasse ideas and the upcoming M3 Electrical (ZA0). The grille is flanked by twin LED headlights on both sides, although the entrance bumper stays lined by thick plastic panels, protecting the ultimate form beneath wraps.
The facet profile reveals retractable door handles, one other Neue Klasse hallmark, whereas on the again, a delicate trunk spoiler and the trademark M quad exhaust pipes stand out. The taillights, nevertheless, are fully lined by the plastic disguise, leaving their remaining design a thriller for now.
Powertrain: Delicate-Hybrid Six-Cylinder, No Handbook
Whereas visuals are nonetheless in flux, BMW insiders have begun sketching the technical define of the G84 M3. Sources counsel that the subsequent M3 will pair a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine. Present rumors lean towards the S58 engine once more, enhanced with an built-in electrical motor within the transmission to ship sharper response and improved effectivity.
Output is anticipated to start at round 525 horsepower, with later variants more likely to push between 530 and 560 horsepower. The main focus of the hybrid system might be effectivity and response, not outright energy boosts.
As for transmissions, the writing is on the wall: the six-speed handbook gearbox might be gone. The G84 is anticipated to launch solely with an eight-speed automated and xDrive all-wheel drive. With the G80/G82 M3/M4 and G87 M2 serving as the ultimate manuals in BMW M’s lineup, purists could should say their final goodbyes to the clutch pedal.
No Plug-In Hybrid, Fortunately
In contrast to the M5 (G90/G99), which incorporates a heavy plug-in hybrid system, the M3 will keep away from the PHEV route. BMW M’s reasoning is easy: weight administration and packaging. Including a big battery pack would compromise the M3’s agility, responsiveness, and inside area—core attributes that outline the automobile’s character.
By sticking with a lighter mild-hybrid setup, the G84 M3 goals to protect its track-ready stability and exact dealing with whereas nonetheless assembly world emissions requirements. Very similar to Porsche’s technique with the subsequent 911 Hybrid, BMW sees this as one of the simplest ways to maintain the M3 true to its motorsport DNA.
The G84 M3 gained’t arrive earlier than 2028, however these early sightings remind us that the M3 is much from completed. As an alternative, it’s getting ready for a brand new period—one which blends BMW’s inline-six heritage with the hybrid future.
