2029 BMW M3 mule shows Neue Klasse front, wide fenders

Spy photos from SH Proshots and reporting by Mircea Panait, dated 16 September 2026, show BMW's G84 M3 prototype testing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife with considerably less camouflage than earlier mules. The images reveal a Neue Klasse-inspired front end, noticeably wider fenders and a distinctly revised bumper within the first close-up views.

The prototype appears to be the next, and likely final, internal combustion M3, built on an evolution of BMW's current Cluster Architecture. Visual changes include a heavily reworked front bumper, twin short and wide grille openings with the lower bumper doing most of the aerodynamic work, a small trunk lip spoiler, four centrally mounted exhaust finishers and pronounced fender arches that push outward from the bodysides.

Design and technical details

The new face is made up of multiple openings: two central apertures that seem to feed the radiator and flanking outer vents that are likely dedicated to brake cooling. BMW is expected to use an air-to-water intercooler positioned between the throttle body and the intake runners. The headlamps are slim, sweep toward the outer corners of the body and carry Neue Klasse signature lighting, though the lamps are partly masked on this prototype.

From the side the G84's extra width is obvious. The prototype rides on staggered wheels — 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear — with tyre sidewalls reading 275/35 and 285/30, fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 5 rubber. Staggered tyres frame what appear to be performance-oriented brakes.

The longer hood helps distinguish the combustion G84 from its electric sibling, the ZA0, which is expected to use four electric drive units. Reports also mention the possibility of 48-volt mild-hybrid electrification for the internal combustion model; if BMW proceeds with a mild-hybrid setup, a manual gearbox would likely be off the table.

BMW M currently relies on M Ignite technology to keep the M-specific S58 engine compliant with emissions rules. M Ignite introduces pre-chamber ignition with a secondary spark plug and ignition coil for each cylinder. Some observers hope the G84 could arrive with M-level power approaching 550 ps (543 hp) to compete with M3 CS territory.

BMW has not confirmed a launch date for the combustion M3, but the best-case scenario appears to be a July 2028 start of production. Like the G50 3 Series, the 2029 model-year internal combustion M3 is expected to be assembled at BMW's Dingolfing plant.