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BMW's Neue Klasse arrives on the M3 — and it's unmistakable
BMW's next-generation M3 has been reimagined in a striking Neue Klasse guise, and the latest renderings give the clearest look yet at how BMW's performance sedan will evolve. A well-known digital artist peeled back prototype camouflage to show a near-production vision that looks nothing like its predecessors — and that change is most obvious up front.
What the render shows
The render combines cues from BMW heritage with the brand's current design direction. The front fascia is new from bumper to bonnet: a much wider but lower grille that visually flows into slim headlight units with integrated daytime running lights. The bumper features a dominant central intake and two large side openings, giving a more aggressive stance. Small details such as an apron with side blades and trimmed front fenders hint at a performance-focused design, likely influenced by BMW M Performance accessories.
At the rear, the M3 adopts elongated taillights, a pronounced diffuser, a subtle trunk-lid spoiler and four exhaust outlets — clear signals that a combustion-powered halo remains in the lineup. Wheels are larger and deeply concave, finished in a dark tone that matches other blacked-out exterior accents. The body in the render is finished in red, with flush door handles and an overall silhouette that keeps familiar proportions while pushing a sharper, more sculpted look.
Platform and powertrain expectations
BMW has previously hinted the next M3 will arrive with partial electrification, and the render supports that dual-track strategy. Expect a gas-powered variant retaining conventional rear- or all-wheel-drive dynamics alongside a separate electric M3 likely built on a distinct EV platform. Industry timing points to a late 2027 debut or early 2028 market arrival, meaning most markets will likely receive this as a 2028 model year car.
Highlights:
- Distinct Neue Klasse front end with a wide, low grille
- Slim, connected headlamps and new DRL signature
- Aggressive bumper and sporty side skirts
- Four exhaust tips and diffuser indicate ICE performance model
Design vs. legacy — a clear departure
If you loved previous M3 faces, this one will feel different. The designer has opted for a modern interpretation of BMW DNA rather than a literal evolution. A before-and-after comparison included in the renderings underscores dramatic differences, especially at the front, where heritage cues are reworked into a contemporary, possibly polarizing treatment.
Market positioning and what it means for enthusiasts
BMW appears to be walking a fine line: preserving the M3's driver-focused character while introducing design and drivetrain changes that align with a broader electrification strategy. For buyers, that should mean choices — a traditional performance sedan with hybrid assistance and a fully electric M3 for those who prefer instant electric torque.
Quote: 'This M3 looks like a bridge between BMW's past and its electrified future' — an apt summary for a model that needs to satisfy purists and new customers alike.
Whether you like the new styling or not, the 2028 BMW M3 render makes one thing clear: BMW is committed to bold design and multiple powertrain paths. Expect more spy shots and official reveals as prototypes complete development toward a probable 2028 launch.
Source: autoevolution
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