According to foreign media Drive, as BMW expands its lineup of electric models, the future of the M3 and M4 has become unclear. The two models are expected to be launched in 2027 or 2028.
▲ Picture source BMW official website, the same below
BMW executive Frank Weber hinted at the beginning of 2022 that the new M3 could switch to pure electric power, but this statement was clarified by Frank Van Meel, head of BMW’s M series. Frank Van Meel told Drive that he thinks pure electric power is a possibility for the next-gen M3 and M4, but only if they prove to be significantly better than their predecessors.
According to Frank Van Meel, each generation of M models has to outperform its predecessors. If BMW can meet the performance targets of the new M models using an all-electric powertrain, the next-generation M3 and M4 will be electrified. If not, will stick with gasoline power, but BMW is trying to make that happen purely electric.
Asked whether there would be multiple powertrain options, van Meel quickly dismissed the notion, saying BMW would prefer to use just one powertrain, meaning BMW’s next-generation M models won’t offer gasoline, electric, and hybrid-electric versions at the same time.
It is learned from BMW’s official website that the currently on-sale BMW M3 Thunder Edition is equipped with a high-performance 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine, which can provide a power output of 510 horsepower and 650 Nm. The top speed can reach 250 km/h, and the acceleration from 0-100 km/h is 3.9 seconds.
