By early 2028, BMW will launch the seventh generation of its iconic M3available both with un six-cylinder turbo petrol engine both with an innovative electric motor. This move is part of the ongoing commitment of BMW towards combustion powerwhile embracing the growing demand for electric vehicles.
The petrol model will continue to mount the 3.0-litre bi-turbo “S58” engine, already compliant with future emissions regulationsguaranteeing its permanence on the market together with the fully electric version. The latter will be based on BMW’s Neue Klasse platformalready planned for the next generation of the 3 Series from next year.
Frank van MeelCEO of BMW M, shared with Autocar priorities and prospects for the electrification of the company’s performance department. He emphasized that “an M3 is a promise, not an engine“, indicating that there will be no distinctions significant in the badges between the ICE and electric versions, despite the “iM3” trademark having been registered.
Despite the transition towards electric, BMW’s M division is committed to maintaining the characteristic agility and speed of the M3 modelboth in combustion and electric versions. Van Meel acknowledged that The first generations of BMW electric sports cars will be heavier than their combustion predecessors due to the batteries needed to ensure adequate autonomy. However, he foresees a future in which increased public charging infrastructure will allow for smaller, lighter batteries.
The CEO also hinted to the importance of power management technologies to compensate for the additional weight in electric cars, highlighting how the new M5 plug-in hybrid demonstrates this ability, weighing about half a ton more than the previous model while maintaining excellent dynamic performance.
Van Meel anticipated the use of an innovative quad-motor system in the prototypeswhich will allow complete control of torque vectoring on all four wheels, essential for emulating the driving precision typical of M cars. This technology, combined with centralized power managementaims to introduce a new dimension in vehicle dynamics, compensating for the increase in weight.
In conclusion, as BMW approaches full electrificationthe design and engineering aim to maintain the essence of performance that defines the M series, ensuring that future generations of electric vehicles also meet the high dynamics standards and driving emotion that customers expect from the brand.
Source: www.tomshw.it
