First Teaser Reveals M Efficiency Model

BMW is prioritizing the absolutely electrical i3 over the gas-fueled sports activities sedan, however make no mistake: one other 3 Collection is on the way in which. In a brand new official video detailing the EV’s improvement, the German luxurious marque slipped in a quick teaser of its ICE-powered counterpart. Codenamed “G50,” the combustion-engine 3er seems solely on the very finish.

It’s straightforward to overlook, because the automotive is on display screen for only a few seconds. The lifeless giveaway that this isn’t the electrical i3 is the seen exhaust, with 4 ideas poking by means of the rear bumper. Whereas some would possibly assume BMW is already teasing the next-generation M3, that’s not the case. For a number of years, Munich has fitted quad exhausts to M Efficiency vehicles, and now the three Collection is making the swap.

Consequently, we’re doubtless taking a look at a successor to the M340i. It’ll in all probability carry a unique title, as a 2027 M350 was briefly listed on BMW USA’s web site forward of schedule. The upper quantity suggests extra energy, whereas the absence of the “i” aligns with current naming modifications. Sooner or later, BMW will reserve the letter for electrical vehicles, dropping the suffix (initially referencing injection) throughout its gas-powered lineup.

The eighth-generation 3 Series is anticipated to retain six-cylinder engines in its high variations. This M350 variant is all however confirmed to make use of an evolution of the ever present “B58,” a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that might produce greater than 400 horsepower. The M Lite spinoff needs to be among the many launch fashions, given its untimely look on BMW’s web site.

A brand new gas-powered M3 can be within the works, reportedly carrying the “G84” codename. BMW has already confirmed it can hold all six cylinders whereas hinting at some type of electrification for the twin-turbo “S58” engine. The load penalty shouldn’t be important, as the following M3 is rumored to undertake a mild-hybrid setup moderately than the M5’s plug-in hybrid system.

The M3 is unlikely to reach subsequent yr, when the lesser variations are anticipated to hit the market. An informed guess factors to a 2028 launch, probably with a simplified lineup. Whereas at this time’s “G80” provides rear- and all-wheel drive, in addition to handbook and automated transmissions, the “G84” might come completely with xDrive and an automated. Nonetheless, nothing is official till BMW confirms it.

Photograph by: BMW

Given the M350’s rumored output, the full-fat M3 ought to comfortably exceed 500 horsepower. BMW can be contemplating a combustion-powered 3 Collection Touring, elevating hopes for M-flavored variants. With a U.S. launch beneath evaluation, there’s motive to dream a few six-cylinder M3 wagon, which is one thing America missed with the present “G81” offered in Europe and different areas.

Within the meantime, the following combustion-engine 3 Collection is anticipated to debut within the coming months, with gross sales beginning in late 2026 or early 2027, relying on the area.

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Supply: BMW

Motor1’s Take: It’s reassuring to see BMW stay dedicated to the combustion-engine 3 Collection. On the similar time, it’s thrilling that an M Efficiency variant will doubtless be accessible from day one. Whether or not each rear- and all-wheel-drive variations shall be provided as is the case at this time stays unclear, however a minimum of we all know an M Lite mannequin is on the way in which.

We’re additionally curious to see how the i3’s Neue Klasse design language will translate to the three Collection. It’s affordable to count on the ICE mannequin to function an extended entrance finish to accommodate gasoline and diesel engines. As earlier than, a plug-in hybrid is deliberate for these not but prepared to change to a completely electrical car.