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According to reports, Frank van Meel, head of BMW M performance division, has confirmed that the next-gen M3 will continue to be powered by the brand's inline 6-cylinder engine.
The BMW M boss confirmed that the 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-6 engine will stick around for a while. The S58 engine is currently in the process of being updated to meet the Euro 7 emission regulations. Speaking at an interview, van Meel stated, "We’ll let the six-cylinder combustion run for as long as possible. If customer demand is what it is at the moment, and it doesn’t drop off, we won’t turn off the six-cylinder either."
This also means that the next-generation BMW M3 will be sold alongside the upcoming electric M3. Having said that, reports do state that the electric M3 will most likely be significantly different from its ICE counterpart, both in terms of chassis and drivetrain perspective.
The BMW M boss also stated, "If customers say, 'Even though an M3 is significantly faster electrically than the combustion engine that is the benchmark today, I still want a combustion engine,' then we will not withhold this offer from them."
However, apart from the confirmation that a new ICE-powered M3 is coming, not much else is known about the upcoming model. Also, reports mention that considering the current-gen 3 Series received a facelift fairly recently in 2022, the next-gen model isn't likely to arrive till 2026.
Source: Road&Track