BMW is continuing development of its traditional gas-powered sports sedan even as it pushes forward with its fully electric i3. The teaser appears at the very end of a video focused primarily on the EV, offering only a fleeting but telling look at the upcoming model.
The presence of visible exhaust tips immediately distinguishes the car from its electric counterpart. While quad exhausts might suggest a future M3, BMW has increasingly applied this design to M Performance models, signaling a shift in how the lineup is visually differentiated.
A Quad Exhaust Points to an M Performance Variant
The most striking detail in the teaser is the four exhaust outlets integrated into the rear bumper. According to Motor1, this design choice does not indicate the next-generation M3, but rather an M Performance version of the standard 3 Series.
BMW has, for several years, equipped its M Performance cars with quad exhaust systems, blurring the visual gap between them and full M models. In this case, the teased vehicle is widely understood to preview the successor to the current M340i.
The upcoming model is expected to adopt a new naming convention. A “M350” designation briefly appeared on BMW USA’s website ahead of schedule, suggesting both a power increase and a broader shift away from the “i” suffix, which BMW plans to reserve for electric vehicles.
Six-Cylinder Engines Remain at the Core of the Lineup
Despite increasing electrification, BMW is maintaining six-cylinder engines in the upper tiers of the 3 Series range. The future M350 is expected to use an updated version of the B58 engine, a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six.
This engine could deliver more than 400 horsepower, reinforcing its position as a high-performance yet non-M flagship within the lineup. The model is also likely to be available from launch, given its early mention on official channels.
BMW is also developing a new M3, codenamed “G84,” which will retain a six-cylinder configuration. The automaker has indicated that some level of electrification will be introduced to the twin-turbo S58 engine, though not to the extent of a plug-in hybrid system like the one used in the M5.
A Staggered Rollout with Broader Lineup Changes
The next-generation 3 Series is expected to debut in the coming months, with sales beginning in late 2026 or early 2027 depending on the market. The M3 variant will follow later, with an estimated arrival around 2028.
BMW may simplify the M3 lineup compared to the current “G80” generation. Today’s model offers multiple drivetrain and transmission configurations, but the future version could be limited to all-wheel drive and automatic transmission, although no official confirmation has been provided.
In parallel, BMW is considering expanding the body styles available for the combustion-powered 3 Series. The possibility of a Touring version has been raised, including potential M variants. This could open the door to a six-cylinder M3 wagon in markets where it has not previously been offered, including the United States.
The teaser ultimately confirms that BMW’s combustion-engine 3 Series remains an active part of its strategy, even as electric models take center stage.
