Unlike Mercedes-AMG, BMW's M division insists that 4 cylinders just aren't good enough. Neither does the C63 competitor M3.
While the current Mercedes C63 AMG has been criticized for only having 4 cylinders, BMW insists that it is not good enough. That is, for the competitor M3.
This is what M-department head Frank Van Meel says in an interview with Australian Drive .
On the contrary, BMW has promised to keep both the V8 engine and the smaller inline-six alive as long as 'it's even legal'.
Because even though the first M3, E30 generation, actually had no more than 4 cylinders and 238 horsepower, that's not something BMW needs to go back to.
There was no question of downsizing – meaning fewer cylinders or smaller displacement – of anything, emphasizes Frank Van Meel.
– We are launching an electric car while keeping our inline-six engine alive, says the M boss in a briefing with Australian media.
This leaves Mercedes pretty much alone in the idea that 4 cylinders is enough. Even Audi, which is dropping the V8 engine in the upcoming RS6, won't go that far. Read more about it here.
Back at BMW, they are very clear about why the combustion engine is worth keeping alive. As one of the few major car brands, the Munich-based company has refused to set an end date for gasoline and diesel engines.
– The straight-six, like the V8 engine, is a very iconic engine. And it fits perfectly in the M3 when it comes to the weight ratio in relation to the number of horsepower and driving dynamics.
– Downsizing makes it very difficult to maintain performance. Especially if you're going for that kind of thing on a track with a 4-cylinder car.
– And the M3 is used a lot on the track. Therefore, downsizing anything is out of the question.
Frank Van Meel is also not sure that life is easier for Mercedes' competitors, even though their engines are smaller. The small, 4-cylinder cars do not escape having to meet exactly the same emissions requirements as everyone else.
– To be completely honest; when you look at other cars (the competitors', ed.), you are looking at decisions that were made more or less five years ago.
– You shouldn't base decisions on that kind of thing. Because when you look at what others are doing, it's already too late.
– I'm from Holland. And here we have a saying that goes something like this: When you're at sea, you shouldn't follow all the other ships. You should navigate by the stars, because that keeps you from crashing into the shore.
