BMW.SG | BMW Singapore Owners Community The Ultimate BMW Community – Established Since 2001
Despite the growing push for electrification, BMW fans can breathe easy knowing that the iconic BMW M3 will keep its gasoline engine for at least one more generation. While there has been speculation that the electric iM3 might fully replace the gas-powered model, BMW M’s CEO, Frank van Meel, confirmed in a recent interview that the beloved internal combustion engine (ICE) isn’t going away anytime soon. BMW’s commitment to maintaining the M3’s thrilling performance, driven by the revered S58 engine, remains strong.
In an interview with BimmerToday.de, van Meel shared that the gas-powered M3 is set to continue, with BMW working hard to meet future emissions standards. The 3.0-litre twin-turbo S58 inline-six will be tweaked to comply with the upcoming Euro 7 regulations set to take effect in 2025. BMW remains focused on keeping its powerful M lineup on the road for as long as it can remain profitable, and fans of the M3 can expect to enjoy the manual transmission option for the foreseeable future. However, this will not extend to the next generation of the M4, which is set to transition fully to electric power.
The next-gen M3, expected to enter production towards the late 2020s, may be one of the last of its kind. While there’s a possibility that BMW could opt for a smaller engine, like a four-cylinder, to meet stricter Euro 8 emissions standards, the spirit of the M3 remains tied to its high-performance roots. The four-cylinder E30 M3 from the 1980s set the standard for performance cars, so a return to this configuration wouldn’t be out of place. The key concern is maintaining the M3’s dynamic balance without excessive weight gain.
Though the future of automotive performance is increasingly electric, the BMW M3’s legacy, with its gas-powered engine, seems likely to continue to thrill enthusiasts for at least one more generation.
