Next-generation BMW M3 will be offered in ICE, EV flavors

BMW to keep M3’s twin-turbo inline-six alive for next-generation

It’s no secret that BMW has been consistently expanding its lineup of electric vehicles (EVs). Heck, the all-new 5 Series and 7 Series are now available as EVs. Even the 4 Series is now offered as a zero-emissions vehicle via the i4.

This leaves the 3 Series as the remaining passenger car that has yet to be offered with a pure electric powertrain. However, BMW has already confirmed that the next-generation M3 will be available with an internal combustion engine (ICE) as well as with electric motors.

According to a report by German publication Bimmer Today, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel shared with them that the all-new M3 will be offered in two guises; one with an improved 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six and one powered by electric motors. van Meel mentioned that since demand for ICE-powered models such as the M3 is still high, they will keep making the S58 for as long as possible. In fact, BMW is already making the M3’s twin-turbo straight-six Euro7 compliant which will take effect in the middle of 2025.

“We’ll let the six-cylinder combustion run for as long as possible. If customer demand is what it is at the moment, and it doesn’t drop off, we won’t turn off the six-cylinder either. If customers say, ‘Even though an M3 is significantly faster electrically than the combustion engine that is the benchmark today, I still want a combustion engine,’ then we will not withhold this offer from them,” said van Meel.

As for the upcoming all-electric M3, exact details about its powertrain are still a mystery. However, van Meel did share that it has been in development for quite some time and will have four electric motors with one on each wheel. The result will be instantaneous torque and acceleration as well as torque distribution per wheel which will likely help in delivering better grip and traction.

As far as power output is concerned, it’s rumored that the electric M3 will generate over 1,300 PS. Should it be true, the all-electric M3 will become BMW’s most powerful production vehicle, beating the likes of the XM plug-in hybrid.

The next-generation M3 is expected to make its official debut around 2027 or 2028. With that, we can perhaps see BMW reveal the all-new 3 Series around next year or in 2026. With Euro7 emission standards set to be implemented in 2025, BMW may already be busy ensuring the all-new 3 Series will meet the stricter emission regulations.

With the next-generation BMW M3 set to come in ICE and EV variants, enthusiasts can choose a twin-turbo inline-six or high-performance electric motor to suit their needs.

Source: Bimmer Today via Carscoops