WATCH: Next BMW M3 driven flat-out at the Nurburgring

The upcoming BMW M3 has been officially teased for the first time via a video of it tackling both public roads and the mighty Nurburgring Nordschleife.

In the video, head of BMW M driving dynamics Christian Flessa confirms that the next M3 will be rear-wheel drive as standard, and that BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system will be offered as an option.

Flessa stresses how BMW is developing its new rival for the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S to allow customers to drive it up to the limit and to keep it there, thanks to an advanced new stability control system.

He says the new G80 M3 will also bring a smoother ride thanks to the trick new dampers his engineers are developing, and produce less steering wheel kickback, even over bumpy or poorly surfaced blacktop.

We already know that beneath the bonnet the 2021 BMW M3 will come powered by the car-maker's S58 twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine producing around 353kW.

Later on, a Competition variant will up power even further to around 375kW.

A traditional six-speed manual will be available with rear-drive versions, but the pre-production mule featured in the video is said to be equipped with an eight-speed automatic.

There's no word on performance, but the video does reveal that the M3 auto will average 10.5L/100km, while emitting 239g/km of CO2.

Already leaked online, the G80 M3 will likely miss out on the G22 M4's polarising 'big mouth' grille, but will get wider front and rear fenders, a redesigned front bumper and rear boot lip spoiler.

The all-new BMW M3 is set for a September reveal, but Australian deliveries of both the next M3 sedan and M4 Coupe aren't expected until early 2021.