BMW is celebrating 40 years of the M3 at the 2026 Festival of Speed

After its world premier at Le Mans a few weeks ago, the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse, which embodies the future of the BMW M3, will make its UK debut at Goodwood where it will be on display at the BMW stand. The addition of BMW’s M eDrive concept, based on the Neue Klasse’s Gen6 technology, means that the four electric motors, 800-volt technology and 100kWh battery deliver long-range performance in what is BMW’s vision of an all-electric future.

On the Hill you’ll be able to witness the BMW M2 with a performance track kit, and the instantly iconic M3 Touring 24H, which rose to cult hero status during its appearance at the Nürburgring 24 Hours.

They’ll be joined by the i3 50 xDrive, the non-M version of BMW’s next-generation 3 Series, which will also make its UK public debut at the Festival of Speed. This is the second Neue Klasse model to go on sale, and orders have already been taken for the First Edition model. 

The fully-electric iX5, which is based on sixth generation BMW eDrive technology, will be on display during the event, as will the i7, a new Neue Klasse design language that stars in the 690PS (507kW) flagship i7 M70 xDrive.

Forty years of the BMW M3 is further being commemorated with two heritage models on display, reflecting its evolution through the decades. You can see the E30 M3, a homologation special from 1986, and the limited production E92 M3 GTS from 2011 on the BMW stand. On Thursday, we’ll be treated to a special moment on the Goodwood Hill, as one example from every generation of the M3 will take part in a unique display.

Finally, BMW’s sprawling motorsport legacy will be represented by a range of cars on display and on the Hill. The BMW-engined Benetton B186 — which took BMW’s final turbo-powered Formula 1 victory with Gerhard Berger at the 1986 Mexican Grand Prix — has been fully restored and will be driven on the Hill by Christian Danner. It’ll be joined by the M3 GTR E46, the M3 DTM E92, the McLaren F1 GTR — powered by the 6.1-litre BMW S70/2 V12, and the M3 Alpina E30.

BMW’s stand will also feature racing simulators, a BMW Motorrad rolling road and interviews with designers and engineers of the M Concept Neue Klasse, so there will be plenty for visitors to the Festival of Speed to get involved with.

Tickets for the Festival of Speed are limited. Only Thursday admission remains but hospitality packages for all four days are available. Missed out on a ticket for Friday or Saturday? Find out how you can access our sold-out days with one of our new packages.

If you’re not already part of the GRRC, joining the Fellowship means you can save ten per cent on your 2026 tickets and grandstand passes, as well as enjoy a whole host of other on-event perks.