√The future of BMW M3 and M4 is at a crossroad

The new BMW M3 and M4, expected in 2027 or 2028, could switch to electric or remain petrol-powered – but not both.

The future of the next-generation BMW M3 and M4 is at a crossroads as M Sport weighs up its powertrain options for the new generation performance twins due sometime in 2027 or 2028.

BMW’s development boss, Frank Weber, said in early 2022 the new M3 could switch to solely electric power.

However, M Sport global boss, Frank van Meel, has since clarified the brand’s position, telling Drive last week that while an electric M3/M4 platform remained an option, the company would only consider it if represented an improvement over the outgoing generation.

“Well, the logic is quite easy,” van Meel told Drive during a flying visit to Australia for the launch of several BMW M models, including the M3 Touring, all-new M2 and XM. “The next [M3] or [M4] has to be better than the current one. And if that can be done in an electric way, then probably it will go electric.

“If not, we will stay with combustion engine. It’s quite easy. But of course we’re trying to make that happen as pure electric.”

As per M Sport tradition, the performance of any new M model has to exceed that of its predecessor. That means any new M3, electric or otherwise, would need to eclipse the 375kW and 650Nm of the current generation’s 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder petrol engine (internal code S58) found under the bonnet of M3, M4 and the just-launched all-new M2.

However, van Meel poured cold water on any suggestions M Sport’s performance twins could be offered with a variety of powertrains including petrol, electric or even plug-in hybrid.

“Well, I don’t think all three [options]. That will be a little bit too far,” van Meel told Drive. “Actually, we would like to offer just one. But you never know.”

BMW currently has several vehicles in its range available with either a full-electric or petrol powertrain – the i4 M50 is based on the petrol BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, i5 M60 (new 5 Series) and i7 M70 (7 Series).

All three are M Performance models, a step below M Sport in the brand’s performance line-up, think BMW M340i 3 Series against M Sport’s M3.

The new-generation BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe are expected to launch in 2027 or 2028.

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