BMW made it clear that when it unveils the next-generation M3, it will retain its gasoline engine though a separate EV version will also be coming in the future too. However, the company kept quiet about what engine it was going to have with many safely assuming it would have a six-cylinder engine.
The company has now released more clarification on the matter and it appears that while a six-cylinder is indeed coming to the M3, it will be unlike any six-cylinder that has been seen before in a BMW product.
New type of six-cylinder to make debut in M3
Dr. Mike Reichelt, the executive in charge of BMW’s Neue Klasse line, spoke with Top Gear about the next-generation M3. While the focus was on the electric model, Reichelt spoke about the gas variant too. “We’re going to make it the best M car ever dynamically,” he told the magazine. “We’re also going to offer it with a new type of six-cylinder engine, because we understand it may be early for some committed M fans to make the switch.”
If BMW makes this switch, it would be a seismic shift since the current S58 inline-six ( the M version of the long-running B58) has been in production BMW models since 2019 with the current iteration of the S58 making as much as 552 hp when tuned to its full potential. It remains to be seen what Reichelt meant in his statement but we suspect it will go far beyond being a mere evolution of the current S58 with engineers perhaps giving it a more radical makeover. One possibility would be the addition of a hybrid system with the M3 potentially getting a traditional hybrid system versus a bulkier PHEV setup to comply with tightening fuel economy regulations. Another more extreme possibility is a traditional V6.
The company has made them for internal testing but none have ever made it into a production-bound car citing undesirable driving responses. However, if the iconic inline-six is finally pushed over its limits by fuel-saving regulations, a V6 might eventually appear to help give the company a powertrain that would allow them to comply with regulations.
Buyers will have a long wait
Regardless of what BMW has exactly up there sleeve, buyers will be in for a long wait. The next-generation M3 is not expected to be offered for another two years and the EV version will have an even longer wait. This long timeframe will allow the company to have more time developing the next M3 while also being able to milk every last drop of profit out of the current generation model.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.