SPY PICS: New lighting for BMW M3

Following on from last year’s cabin overhaul and tech upgrade, the BMW M3 looks set to score some new styling tweaks in 2024, judging by these recently filed spy images.

A dynamic duo comprising an M3 sedan and an M3 Touring was spotted testing in Germany earlier this week wearing a full camo mask over their respective (identical) front fascias, and at first glance it might seem like nothing much has changed.

Look a little closer, however, and you’ll note the headlight and daytime running light graphics are new and partially obscured by the exorbitant amount of camouflage on these updated high-performance mid-sizers.

The new front lighting signature will more than likely be matched by upgraded tail-light graphics and perhaps even a new set of alloy wheels for the 2025 model year refresh, which is anticipated to debut sometime next year.

It isn’t clear if BMW M is plotting a power upgrade for its Mercedes-AMG C 63 and Audi RS 4 Avant rival, but we wouldn’t be surprised if a few tweaks were made to the powertrain in the name of efficiency and/or driveability in response to the new plug-in hybrid C 63’s immense new outputs (500kW/1060Nm).

The M3 and M4 remain without any form of electrification under the bonnet and instead rely on a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder petrol engine good for 375kW/650Nm in high-end Competition form.

The rabid M3 CS ups the kiloWatt count to 405, but even that figure is still a long way adrift of the equivalent Mercedes’ peak power output.

Thankfully (for BMW M) the Merc’s mega outputs are hobbled by its lardy 2100kg-plus kerb weight and therefore it shares the same 3.4-second 0-100km/h sprint time as the M3 CS, while the M3 Competition xDrive hits the tonne in 3.5sec.