# BMW’s Next M3 Loses Its Grille But Keeps Its Six, And Maybe The Clutch Too

> **Newsylist Open Intelligence Dossier** · First detected: 2026-07-19 09:29 UTC · Category: Technology · Sources: 5 · Current Velocity: 2.8

## Executive Summary
BMW is testing a new M3 prototype that prioritizes a combustion inline-six engine over electric motors.

## Intelligence Brief
BMW is currently testing a prototype for the next M3, which has been spotted at the Nürburgring. This version of the vehicle utilizes an inline-six engine rather than electric motors.


Coverage from Motor1.com, Autoblog, and Car and Driver emphasizes that the vehicle is a pure combustion model. Reports from bmwblog highlight the sound of the vehicle in new spy footage, while Carscoops notes changes to the grille.


Future developments may include the retention of a clutch, according to coverage from Carscoops. The vehicle is identified by bmwblog as a 2028 model.

## Verified Facts & Key Claims
### What engine is the next BMW M3 prototype using?
The prototype is packing an inline-six engine.

### Where was the prototype spotted?
It was spotted at the Nürburgring.

### Is the next M3 electric?
According to coverage from Autoblog and Car and Driver, this is a pure combustion model and uses an inline-six instead of electric motors.

## Key People, Organizations & Locations
Next M3 Loses Its Grille But Keeps Its Six And Maybe The Clutch Too, Volume Up BMW Is Already Testing The Next M3 With An Inline-Six, Proof That, Pure Combustion BMW M3 Is Coming, BMW M3 Sounds Properly Good In New Spy Video, BMW M3 Spotted, Nürburgring and This Prototype Packs, Inline-Six Instead of Electric Motors

## Multi-Source Evidence Table
| Source Outlet | Headline | Published (UTC) | Verification URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor1.com | Volume Up: BMW Is Already Testing The Next M3 With An Inline-Six | 2026-07-18 00:14 | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMidkFVX3lxTE9zQkJ4ajQ1YWc3WTlfYVlpSGZkUXZHZW9raHdqVllpV2NaOHFXSk1CUF84UUVyZkczRWd5UlhzRnJTdi1LTF85ekdwc25ITU5NMXR6SlpTTHV2M3RlMDZlYmlzZ1FReFR5SW51T1ltMWpwbmxmYmc?oc=5) |
| Autoblog | Here’s Proof That a Pure Combustion BMW M3 Is Coming | 2026-07-18 00:14 | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiiAFBVV95cUxNQVR2N1pyTnAxcUxRS1NRLVllQkxhektkVFM0eUtnMEhmLTd5SVRqLXI3Vnc5T1VYYWUwNUFnd2RPaFpHbzEycXUyOXhkZVRXMnVhejUtYlBaclJmUnpHSmQzZWFVNldIelhzUXR4Y24zLUptdkpKMjVFeXAxaUFsbjdVV3pyUEZJ?oc=5) |
| bmwblog | 2028 BMW M3 Sounds Properly Good In New Spy Video | 2026-07-18 00:14 | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMikgFBVV95cUxPdW1vTDlRMFY2NnhXM1pMMmZBd19TZ3o2YlVvNE5BWVVUQTBYaHpRSGJLbGtLTnNxckFFWHIxdGpZSmFlempiQnhoSVlDREYwdEpLTFFVa1p1ZHg3X2ZrWG8tNFptLVNZZkhwMXRCWWlLYVpub19kbXZFTFRiN0lKenUyNHVicXRMMDNWdTYtd0lydw?oc=5) |
| Car and Driver | BMW M3 Spotted at the Nürburgring, and This Prototype Packs an Inline-Six Instead of Electric Motors | 2026-07-18 00:14 | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiigFBVV95cUxPZ2toX0NfOHlOeFRxRC1mWWZjVkZDYm1PbWVEb21QbjNVb3ZMNnF4TUZyRURXem1MVV94QXY0bWdJUThGdDBjaGhxSGVBN0VIWGNYVlFlYjBncnMzWVJzRGVWaEJ2dkpQVUpRcjRQZ2o2aU1Yc1BBb0k5ZWhrVHBLWkF0OWFaTGptekE?oc=5) |
| Carscoops | BMW’s Next M3 Loses Its Grille But Keeps Its Six, And Maybe The Clutch Too | 2026-07-18 00:14 | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiYkFVX3lxTE5GeEQ0UHU2VGRlc1J6MTZJa3dXSjVKdkxaUC1mRnhLZkctTGlnb0NNVmRINEppWERtbWcyWE1obEZ5SnZGR1RqVEg1STkzUlJoQ2tNdUFqbDRPUVpPWHFuZm93?oc=5) |

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*Canonical Source: https://www.newsylist.com/trend/2026-07-19/bmw-s-next-m3-loses-its-grille-but-keeps-its-six-and-maybe-the-clutch-too*
*Synthesized by Newsylist Open Intelligence Engine under E-E-A-T journalistic standards.*