Powering the Ultimate Track Car: Why the M3 Won’t be Beaten by a 4-Cylinder Future

The Future of the BMW M3: Electric Options and Six-Cylinder Power

The world of high-performance vehicles is constantly evolving, and the latest news from BMW sheds some light on the future of the iconic M3. In a roundtable discussion, Frank van Meel, BMW M boss, confirmed that the next-generation M3 will not downsize to a four-cylinder engine. The six-cylinder, inline layout is here to stay.

Six-Cylinder Consistency

For years, the BMW M3 has been built around a powerful six-cylinder engine, and it seems that trend will continue. As a result, the new M3 will benefit from a more efficient and optimized six-cylinder configuration. This choice is crucial for track enthusiasts, where the M3 is often put to the test. According to van Meel, the six-cylinder engine fits perfectly with the car’s weight distribution, power output, and dynamics.

Track Performance Matters

The discussion surrounding the C63’s four-cylinder engine, which packs a whopping 670 horsepower, might have sparked some concerns about the M3’s performance. However, van Meel stressed that the M3’s track performance is a top priority. He drew attention to a Dutch proverb, "If you’re on the sea, you shouldn’t follow the beacon of other ships. You should navigate by looking at stars, because it helps you not to crash on the shore." In essence, OEMs should focus on their unique strengths, rather than mimicking their rivals.

Electric Option on the Horizon

The next-generation M3 will not only come with a traditional gasoline-powered six-cylinder engine but also an electric variant. This move aligns with BMW’s strategy to offer both gasoline- and battery-powered versions of their models. The 7 Series has its electric i7, the 5 Series is available as an EV named i5, and the 4 Series Gran Coupe offers an electric i4. The electric M3 (iM3?) will be available alongside its gasoline-powered counterpart, with unverified reports suggesting that the next-gen M4 will be exclusively offered as an EV.

With more details to emerge in the coming months, we’re excited to see how the future of the M3 unfolds. In the meantime, share your thoughts and tips with us at tips@thedrive.com.

[H2] Next-Generation M3: What’s to Come?

• Electric variant alongside gasoline-powered six-cylinder engine
• Six-cylinder inline layout redesign for future-focused performance
• Priority on track performance for the M3
• OEM strategy: gasoline- and battery-powered models for each series

[H3] Related Stories and Reviews

• "2021 BMW M3 Review: The Benchmark Gets Faster, But Leaves a Lot Behind"
• "2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 Review: A 670-HP Four-Cylinder Hybrid"
• "2023 BMW i7 Review: A Luxury Electric Sedan with Range and Performance to Spare"
• "2024 BMW i5 Review: A Full-Electric 5 Series Option with Good Range and Performance"
• "2022 BMW i4 Review: A Fun, Electric 4 Series Coupe with Good Range"

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