The next generation BMW M3 will retain its six-cylinder engine, boss confirms

the next generation BMW M3 probably won’t arrive until 2026.

According to reports, Frank van Meel, head of BMW M’s performance division, has confirmed that the next-generation M3 will be powered by the brand’s inline six-cylinder engine.

BMW M’s boss confirmed that the 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 ​​engine will be around for a while. The S58 engine is currently being updated to meet Euro 7 emissions regulations. During an interview, Van Meel said: ‘We let the six-cylinder combustion run for as long as possible. If customer demand is what it currently is, and it doesn’t decrease, we won’t get back into business. not even the six-cylinder.”

This also means that the next generation BMW M3 will be sold alongside the upcoming electric M3. That said, reports state that the electric M3 will most likely differ significantly from its ICE counterpart, both from a chassis and powertrain perspective.

The BMW M boss further said: “If customers say: ‘Even though an electric M3 is significantly faster than the combustion engine that is the benchmark today, I still want a combustion engine’, then we will not deprive them of this offer.”

However, aside from confirmation that a new ICE-powered M3 is on the way, not much else is known about the upcoming model. Reports also state that since the current generation 3 Series quite recently received a facelift in 2022, the next generation model is unlikely to arrive until 2026.

Source: Road&Track