The combustion engine is here to stay—at least at BMW.
Even with an electric M3 boasting 1,000 horsepower on the horizon, the German automaker remains committed to offering a gasoline-powered M3 for as long as possible.
Currently, rumors suggest that BMW will introduce its first fully electric M3 in 2027. But it is already public knowledge that the electric version will not replace its combustion-engine counterpart.
The next-generation M3 will continue to feature a straight-six engine under the hood, just like the current model. This was confirmed by BMW M’s deputy director, Sylvia Neubauer, in an interview with Australian automotive outlet CarExpert.
"We offer electric M Performance models that deliver the true M feeling without CO₂ emissions across most of our lineup,” says Neubauer. “But we also believe that there should be room for other powertrains, such as hybrids and traditional combustion engines.”
With demand for electric cars declining, keeping the gasoline-powered M3 makes sense. Many M3 buyers is still loyal to combustion engines, even when faced with more powerful electric alternatives.
For nearly a year, BMW has made it clear that it won't abandon gasoline engines anytime soon. Now, BMW M is doubling down on that message.
“You can be absolutely sure that we are prepared for the future,” Neubauer told CarExpert. “I can also assure you that the fully electric M3 I just mentioned will have a combustion-engine sibling. They will exist in parallel.”
The Hybrid M3
The electric BMW M3 will likely debut in the first half of 2027, just before BMW introduces the same model with a straight-six combustion engine, according to BMWBlog.
Like the upcoming BMW M5, the next-generation M3 is expected to incorporate hybrid technology. BMW has already suggested that a hybrid solution is the only way to keep the V8 alive under current emissions regulations.
This has not been confirmed by BMW, so it should be taken with caution.
One certainty, though, is that the next petrol-powered M3 will not feature a manual transmission.
A BMW board member previously stated that the current M2 would be the last M model to offer a manual gearbox, making it likely that the M3 and M4 will phase out manual transmissions entirely.
