BMW’s iconic M3 E30, revered as one of the finest M cars ever built, was originally engineered as a homologation special to meet DTM and Group A Touring regulations. Today, a talented student from Korea National University of Arts, Ihn Lee, has crafted a modern interpretation of this classic, blending the unmistakable lines of the E30 with design elements inspired by BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse series. His ambitious project includes renderings of a sports sedan, a four-seat convertible, a practical wagon, a retro-inspired speedster, a police variant, and a DTM-styled Tamiya scale model—a nod to Schnitzer Motorsport’s legacy. Through this series, Lee’s vision bridges the beloved E30 with a futuristic aesthetic that feels both innovative and nostalgically grounded. A Detailed Look at Lee’s E30 RedesignIhn Lee’s Neue Klasse-inspired M3 E30 brings iconic 1980s design cues into the present, carefully balancing vintage elements with modern updates. At the front, the car retains the E30’s signature double headlights, now upgraded with LED daytime running lights (DRLs) for a fresh, contemporary glow. The kidney grilles, smaller than those of today’s BMWs, are positioned within a blacked-out section reminiscent of the original. Below, an assertive bumper with a wide grille and large air intakes marks a departure from the E30’s simpler lines, giving the car a bold new look. From the side, the car’s two-door profile remains clean and sleek, featuring squared-off quarter panels and arches. The thin A- and B-pillars and intricate alloy wheels—large by 1980s standards—add a refined touch that complements the retro aesthetic. Moving to the rear, the design incorporates Neue Klasse-inspired slim, curvaceous LED taillights, along with a modern light bar that ties the car to contemporary trends. Lee didn’t stop at a single model. His project includes a Touring variant and a convertible with distinctive rear decklid buttresses, lending a unique flair to the line-up. A playful ‘Polizei’ version of the coupe also nods to BMW’s history, while a Tamiya DTM-style scale model pays homage to Schnitzer Motorsport’s legacy. An Electric Future without the E30 NostalgiaBMW enthusiasts hoping for an E30-style revival in the upcoming Neue Klasse M3 may be disappointed—this new model will adopt an entirely modern design inspired by the aggressive styling of BMW’s 2023 Vision Neue Klasse concept. While Lee’s rendering of a retro-inspired M3 offers a nostalgic reimagining, the official Neue Klasse M3, set to launch in 2028 as the “G84,” will represent BMW’s forward-looking aesthetic with sharper lines and a more futuristic edge. The upcoming Neue Klasse M3 will debut as a fully electric model, part of BMW’s continued commitment to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). However, BMW hasn’t turned its back on combustion power; a next-generation M3 featuring an inline-six engine will be available alongside the electric variant. This dual offering aligns with BMW Group design chief Adrian van Hooydonk’s recent statement that the Neue Klasse design language will shape both BEVs and all future internal combustion models. Nevertheless, fans of the original E30 won’t see a direct homage to its iconic design in BMW’s upcoming lineup. Source: BMW
