For years, we have heard rumors claiming that the next-generation BMW M3 will go electric. BMW hasn’t confirmed these reports, it merely explained that it hadn’t made a call yet, but a counter-rumor claims the game sedan shall be offered with each electric and piston power.
Citing anonymous sources, enthusiast website BMW Blog writes that the Munich-based brand will offer two variants of the next-generation M3: one will keep the twin-turbocharged straight-six, and the opposite will switch to electric power. Allegedly called G84 internally, the gasoline-burning model will make its debut in 2027 or 2028, based on the report. It’s going to be based on the upcoming G50-generation 3 Series, which should make its debut before the top of 2026, and it should use an evolution of the current-generation automobile’s 3.0-liter straight-six engine.
On the battery-powered side of the range, BMW Blog adds that the primary electric M3 shall be called ZA0 internally and make its debut after 2027. Technical details akin to the drivetrain’s configuration, driving range, and horsepower have not been released. One other interesting query that is up within the air is whether or not the 2 M3s will look alike. As of writing, BMW has a policy of creating electric variants of gasoline-powered models fairly than launching a standalone range of EVs. The electrical 5 Series is the i5, for instance, and the electrical 7 Series is the i7. The iX is the one exception; there isn’t any gasoline-burning version of the SUV. There is not any word yet on whether this approach will proceed.
M3 fans who aren’t concerned about an EV is perhaps in luck, but those that need to see the piston-powered M4 live to tell the tale might be disillusioned. The report claims that BMW is not planning a gasoline-burning successor to the model, which is sold as a coupe and as a convertible. It adds that nothing is official at this stage, and that production plans can change up until 18 months before the primary automobile rolls off the assembly line.
BMW hasn’t commented on the report, and it hasn’t revealed what the longer term holds for the M3. Within the meantime, BMW Blog learned that the present automobile (pictured) will receive a round of updates later in 2024. The changes should fall in step with those recently made to the M4.
This Article First Appeared At www.autoblog.com
