The combustion engine is not going anywhere. At least not at BMW. Not even though an electric M3 with 1,000 horsepower is on the way.
BMW is committed to keeping the M3 model with combustion engine on the program 'for as long as possible'.
Right now, it is rumored that BMW will launch the first fully electric M3 in 2027. Conversely, it is also already publicly known that the electric car will not replace the gasoline car.
The next generation M3 will also get a straight-six between the front wheels, just like the current model.
BMW M's deputy director Slyvia Neubauer even confirms that plan in an interview with Australian CarExpert .
"We offer electric M Performance models that deliver the true M feeling without CO2 emissions in most of our model range," says Neubauer.
– But we also believe that there should be room for other powertrains such as hybrid cars or regular combustion engines.
With declining demand for electric cars, it makes sense to keep the gasoline-powered M3. Not all M3 buyers want anything to do with electric cars. Not even if they can get more horsepower.
For almost a year, it has been common knowledge that BMW will stick with the gasoline car. But now the M department confirms it. Again.
– You can be absolutely sure that we are prepared for the future, Neubauer told CarExpert.
– I can also assure you that the fully electric M3 that I just mentioned will have a sister with a combustion engine. They will exist in parallel.
– So no matter what customers demand, we will be able to meet all needs in all markets, as long as legislation allows.
The electric BMW M3 will probably debut in the first half of 2027 as a direct replacement for the current car.
It happens immediately, BMW presents the same car with a straight-six. That is, a combustion engine. That's what BMWBlog believes.
Like the new BMW M5, the next M3 will likely be a hybrid car. At least the Germans have said that the hybrid solution is the only one that can keep the V8 engine alive under current emissions requirements and limits.
BMW has not confirmed this information, so it should be taken with a grain of salt. One thing is certain, however: the next petrol-powered M3 will not have a manual transmission.
A board member told the media last year that the current M2 is the last M car with a manual transmission, so it's likely that the manual transmission will be phased out completely with the current M3 and M4 models.
