BMW M3 Touring G88 (2028–2029): Power, Release Date and US Availability

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BMWBLOG reports that the next-generation BMW M3 Touring has received the internal codename G88 and has reportedly cleared final internal approval. The wagon is expected to arrive in late 2028 or early 2029, with the US considered as a standalone market for the first time. BMW has not officially confirmed the information.

The naming scheme for the upcoming family can be confusing. G51 refers to the standard petrol 3 Series Touring, due around 2027. G84 covers the next combustion-engined M3 Sedan, while G88 is its presumed Touring counterpart. Electric M3 models will be developed in parallel under different internal codes — a prototype has already shown 800–900 hp along with Neue Klasse styling cues.

According to early information, the G88 will retain the 3.0-litre inline-six S58 engine. Output is expected at around 550 hp, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive mentioned for the drivetrain. BMW has already ruled out a plug-in hybrid setup for the next petrol M3, though a 48-volt mild-hybrid system remains a forecast for now.

A mild-hybrid system won’t turn the wagon into an EV: the small electric assist is meant to help the engine off the line and reduce load on the combustion unit. It won’t require plugging in or extended electric-only driving.

A shift toward Neue Klasse styling is also expected, with a horizontal grille replacing the large vertical “nostrils.” Yellow headlight accents, wider fenders and quad exhaust tips are also mentioned only as anticipated design choices — no photos of the G88 prototype have surfaced yet.

The US scenario has become more realistic following the success of the larger M5 Touring, whose top version makes 727 hp. BMW had previously only floated the idea of bringing the standard 3 Series Touring back to the US, without committing to a final decision. The current M3 Touring G81 never made it to the American market.

Meanwhile, the current generation is winding down its life cycle: SPEEDME.RU has previously covered the farewell M3 CS Handschalter with a manual gearbox. That configuration isn’t expected for the future G88 — the bet is on the automatic transmission and xDrive.

The stylistic direction can already be glimpsed on the updated M5 Touring spotted during testing. But with at least two years to go before a production G88 arrives, power figures, timing and market availability could still change.