M3 Sedan

Make
BMW
Segment
Sedan

Last month, a leaked photo from BMW's factory floor showed the new M3 flaunting its rear end. Since the reveal isn't expected to happen until next month, BMW is still busy testing prototypes to make sure the next-generation sports car lives up to expectations.

With the production of the new M3 getting closer, the camouflage on these prototypes is starting to peel away. Our spies have spotted a new BMW M3 prototype being tested with less plastic under the foil, revealing more of its sleek body updated with production parts.

For the first time, we can see the new M3's production headlights and taillights, which have a noticeably different shape than the lights on the current 3 Series. The headlights on the next-generation 4 Series will also likely have a similar design.

This is part of BMW's plan to give the new M3, M4, and 4 Series a bolder design to distinguish them from the 3 Series. Controversially, this also means the new M3 will have a much larger kidney grille, as seen on the polarizing BMW 4 Concept. Elsewhere, we can also see the M mirrors, production side sills, wider fenders, and a subtle trunk spoiler, which was also seen in the leaked photo. Like other BMW M models, the new M3 prototype is fitted with a quad exhaust system and larger wheels.

Under the hood, the new M3 will be powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six. According to reports, this unit will produce 473 hp in the base model and 503 hp in the range-topping M3 Competition. Rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission is expected to be offered in the base model, while the Competition will allegedly feature an all-wheel-drive system that can be switched to RWD like in the M5.

Despite this latest prototype looking production-ready, the new M3 isn't expected to debut until next year. BMW M president Markus Flasch recently confirmed the new M3 will enter production in late 2020 and go on sale the following year.