The future of the M3 and M4 seems very uncertain as BMW continues to expand its electric vehicle lineup. Due out in 2027 or 2028, there’s been speculation that the high-performance vehicle could either remain petrol-powered or be fully electric.
In early 2022, BMW development manager Frank Weber hinted that the next M3 could go electric. However, in a recent interview with Drive, the global boss of the M division, Frank van Meel, clarified the automaker’s position. He points out that EV-only versions of the M3 and M4 are a possibility, but only if they prove measurably better than previous generations.
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According to van Meel, any next-generation M vehicle must exceed the performance of its predecessor. If BMW can achieve its performance targets for the new M vehicle using an electric-only powertrain, then the next M3 and M4 will be electric. Otherwise, the car will still run on an internal combustion engine. “The logic is pretty straightforward,” he said. “But of course, we’re trying to make it pure electric.”
Asked about multiple powertrain options, van Meel was quick to dismiss suggestions that BMW would offer both petrol and electric powered versions with the possibility of a hybrid electric vehicle. He did not consider all three options realistic and indicated that BMW would prefer to use only one powertrain.
The current BMW M3 and M4 xDrive Competition versions use a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 to produce 503 horsepower. Performance figures include 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph. In comparison, the current BMW i4 completes the 0 to 60 mph dash in 3.7 seconds with a top speed limited to 127 mph. In our review of the i4 M50, we think it goes a long way. However, to take on the current M3 and M4, the electric successor will have to step up its game.
BMW’s lineup includes several vehicles offered with electric or combustion power, including the 4 Series, 5 Series, and 7 Series. To differentiate the models, the automaker has reportedly dropped the “i” from the end of petrol-powered vehicle names and has trademarked 48 new names to revise their naming conventions.
