We’ve updated this story with the latest available spy shots showing the facelifted M3’s new face in even greater detail (Aug 23).
Our spy photographers have already tracked down prototypes of the facelifted BMW M4 Coupe and Convertible, but the one car missing from that family lineup scoop was the M3 sedan. Consider that remedied with these images of two mildly disguised examples of the M3 snapped on test in Germany.
Like the two-door M cars, the M3 is keeping the visual changes low-key for its mid-life refresh. Though the camo wrap on the nose makes it hare to see the contours of the front bumper, a comparison of the intake shapes suggests it’s the exact same bumper that’s fitted to the current car. What has definitely been revised is the design of the headlights, in particular the look of the DRLs, which now consist of a thicker LED fang between the two lights in each lamp unit, plus another fat LED in the outer corner of each cluster. The new lights look similar, but not identical to the ones fitted to the facelifted 2023 3-Series. The overall shape of the lights, however, seems to be the same as on the 3-Series and the current M3.
Related: 2025 BMW M4 Convertible Spied With CSL-Like Features
Also seemingly unchanged is the rear end design, which displays the current car’s bumper, diffuser and LED light setup. But we wouldn’t read too much into that. While the sheetmetal and plastics might not receive a makeover, the rear lights are sure to get some love in time for the facelifts car’s debut later this year or early in 2024.
Based on previous shots of M4 coupe prototypes with its rear lights covered over we wonder whether both cars might get something along the lines of the laser tail lights seen on the M4 CSL. A regular 4-Series coupe can be seen in the background of one of the pictures in the gallery above, with disguise hiding its new rear lights.
BMW has already updated the M3 and M4 with its latest design of curved dashboard that seamlessly blends a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment system, so we’re not expecting to see major visual upgrades in the cabin. Besides, we’re more interested in what might be going on under the hood.
We’ve heard rumors suggesting the twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine in the M3 Competition could be boosted from 503 hp (375 kW / 510 PS) to around 518 hp (386 kW / 525 PS). That would still make it far less powerful than the 543 hp (550 PS) of the special M3 CS and M4 CSL, and doesn’t get close to matching the 670 hp (680 PS) of the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance. But some lukewarm reviews of the four-cylinder AMG serve to remind us that there’s more to a super-sedan than a monster power output.
Earlier this month it sounded like AMG was in agreement because we’d heard rumors that Mercedes’ performance division was planning to put a V8 back into the C63’s nose in the wake of allegedly disappointing sales. But AMG’s CEO has since gone on record to categorically deny that would happen, assuring reporters that the hybrid four is here to stay. Which can only be good news as far as BMW M3 sales are concerned.
