BMW Confirms the Upcoming M3 'Will Not Be a Hybrid,' and That Seems Logical
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After seeing the BMW Neue Klasse M Concept, I'm really excited about the upcoming M3. There will be a quad-motor electric version, which is cool, but a gas-powered version is also in development. Unlike the M5, which is a heavy plug-in hybrid, BMW M CEO Frank Van Meel informed Piston Heads that the M3 will not be hybrid. He stated that his team is concentrating on the “perfect combustion principle.”
Here’s his full statement:
“Our motorsport-derived-tech M Ignite Euro 7 S58 will debut this year [starting with the current-gen M3 and M4], so I can confirm that it will carry over to our future M models. It won’t be hybrid, as we are committed to the perfect combustion principle. With the Neue Klasse M3, we are going all out, not settling for a middle ground.”
That’s a lot of technical jargon, so let me clarify. “M Ignite” refers to BMW's patented pre-chamber ignition system, which is designed to improve fuel efficiency at high RPMs. This system will help the twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six—designated S58—comply with Euro 7 emissions regulations. BMW invested significant effort to keep this gasoline engine viable, effectively creating a dual ignition system with two spark plugs per cylinder, alongside higher compression and new variable turbine geometry turbos.
It is precisely due to the extensive reworking of the new S58 that BMW feels confident about it being the right choice for the next-gen M3. While some view hybrids as the ideal blend of performance and efficiency, others see them as major compromises. You could argue either viewpoint, but BMW seems determined to cater to those who prefer either electric or gasoline power, without forcing a hybrid model on them.
How much power the next-generation gas M3 will produce is still unknown. BMW hasn't provided specific figures for the M Ignite-equipped S58, stating only that it decreases fuel consumption “without any loss of power.” This could mean it maintains the current base M3's output of 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, or goes up to 523 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, which are the figures for the M3 Competition xDrive.
Regarding the electric version, Van Meel describes it as highly exciting. “With the electric M3, we are advancing vehicle dynamics to a new level,” he explained to Piston Heads. “The technology from Neue Klasse allows us to achieve the range, power, and torque distribution necessary to create something quite remarkable. We actually started development focusing on vehicle dynamics, so the EV will not only be faster in a straight line; it will also outperform on the track.”
Consumers will have to choose between a pure gasoline driver’s car or a groundbreaking EV developed without compromises. In either case, with aesthetics like those, it's hard to imagine making the wrong choice.
Have a tip or question for the author? Reach out directly at: caleb@thedrive.com
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BMW will provide a quad-motor electric M3, in addition to a gasoline-only variant. M CEO Frank Van Meel stated, "In this case, we will push to the extremes, not settle for the middle ground.”