BMW E30 M3 redesigned to pay homage to modern new class

Who would have thought that BMW’s future design language would look so good on the E30?

Few BMW models are more universally loved than the E30-generation M3. Originally designed to meet DTM and Group A Touring regulations, the E30 M3 is still considered by some fans to be the best M race car of all time. What would this icon look like if it were reinvented and reimagined for the 21st century? That’s exactly what these renderings do.

This modern interpretation of the E30-generation M3 was designed by Ihn Lee, a student at the Korea National University of Arts. Lee’s digital study combined the E30’s unmistakable lines with cues from BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse series of vehicles, and it looks great despite combining 1980s styling with 2025-era design.

Read: BMW Neue Klasse Touring design brings back E30 nostalgia in the best possible way

The front end of the car is a perfect combination of classic looks and modern styling. Like the E30, there are four round headlights, but now equipped with LED daytime running lights. Like the E30, the small kidney grille is located within the black section of the dashboard. The bumper itself is more aggressive than the E30, with a wide grille and large air intakes.

We particularly like the car’s side profile. It’s a stylish two-door car with square quarter panels and arches that look great. A complex set of wheels and slim A- and B-pillars add to the striking design. The rear is clearly influenced by the Neue Klasse series, with a set of slender LED taillights that are more curvaceous than those on BMW’s latest concept cars, including the 3 Series sedan and X3-like SUV.

Lee didn’t stop at the coupe; he also envisioned estate and convertible versions of the Neue Klasse-inspired E30 M3. Both share the same attention to detail, although the convertible’s rear decklid support may steal the show. Lee even designed a cheeky “Polizei” coupe version.

In mid-October, BMW Group Design Director Adrian van Hooydonk confirmed that the brand’s Neue Klasse design language will appear not only on its upcoming BEV models, but also on all ICE models. Unfortunately, a redesign of the E30 M3 is out of the question.

Note: The independent renderings in this article are not endorsed by BMW.

Li Qian renderings