First-Ever Hybrid BMW M3 Spied With Massive New Fenders

The next-generation G84 BMW M3 has been spied by our photographers again, this time in greater detail than previous sightings. Although this prototype is still wearing plenty of fake body cladding to disguise the true form of the production design, it’s clear that the M3 will continue to be aggressive despite the more restrained approach of the Neue Klasse design. The front wheel arches of this prototype, heralding the first-ever hybrid incarnation of the M3, are particularly muscular, hinting at a wider track and meatier tires than the next 3 Series. The rear arches are similarly bulbous, contrasting with the flush-fitting door handles. But do looks really matter?

Extraordinary Performance from the 2027 M3

The G80 M3’s buck-toothed front fascia was a hot topic of conversation, and the majority of online comments were initially negative, but that made little difference to sales, as BMW M’s record-breaking sales figures continue to show. Similarly, the next M3’s appearance will matter little if it makes as much power as has been reported, with BMW Blog saying the first iteration of the next-gen sports sedan will make around 525 horsepower, with later variants to make up to 560 hp. This will be achieved with what BMW M is calling a “new type of six-cylinder engine,” reports Top Gear.

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This is likely to be an electrified version of today’s S68 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine with 48-volt assistance, which BMW has already confirmed conforms to Euro 7 emissions regulations; to avoid the immense weight of the G90 M5, the new M3 will be a mild-hybrid, not a plug-in.

More Power Across the 3 Series Range

With the G84 M3 set to eventually eclipse the 543-hp G80 M3 CS in terms of raw output, BMW is also looking to make the regular 3 Series even more powerful. The 386-hp M340i is set to be replaced by the 2027 M350 (the “i” part of the badge is being dropped to avoid confusion with electric models), and this new M Performance car will reportedly make around 400 hp when it debuts late this year or early in 2027. We know the B58 engine under its hood can make more power, even without electrification, as proved by the JDM-spec Toyota GR Supra Final Edition, but BMW is likely holding some performance back for the M350’s eventual mid-life update. We’ll know more about both the M3 and the M350 as the year progresses and the camouflage comes off. Given that we’ve spotted these cars several times already, more revealing imagery and more extensive leaks of information can’t be far away.