‘Of course it\u2019s called M3. I\u2019ve never said anything different, but I always find it interesting how people talk about the iM3. An M3 was always an M3. Whether it was a four-cylinder, six-cylinder, V8, or had M xDrive, it simply said M3 on it. That doesn\u2019t change even if it\u2019s electric.’<\/p>\n
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Photo by: BMW<\/p>\n
Not A Replacement, But An Addition<\/p>\n
Don’t worry; The high-performance EV won\u2019t replace the gas-powered car. BMW is developing another generation of the M3 with an inline-six engine, but it isn\u2019t expected to arrive until later in 2028. As a result, the electric version could be the only M3 on sale for roughly a year. The current G80 bows out sometime next year, while the G84 isn\u2019t expected to hit the streets until the following year.<\/p>\n
During the same interview, Frank van Meel also confirmed plans to give the next-generation 3 Series the M Performance treatment once again with a combustion engine. It\u2019s likely the 2027 M350 xDrive that accidentally appeared on BMW USA\u2019s website<\/a> earlier this year. Much like the full-fat M3, the not-quite-M variant is expected to retain all six cylinders, but using the B58 engine rather than the M-developed S58 found in the flagship model.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also a good chance BMW will offer a fourth M-badged 3 Series by introducing an electric M Performance i3. Logic suggests it\u2019ll wear the i3 M60 xDrive badge and slot between the already revealed i3 50 xDrive <\/a>and the upcoming electric M3. Offering so many variants should appeal to a broad range of buyers looking for a sporty sedan, whether they prefer a gas engine or electric motors.<\/p>\n With another 3 Series Touring on the way<\/a>, there could also be something exciting on the horizon for wagon enthusiasts. However, the company isn\u2019t committing to M versions of the long-roof model just yet.<\/p>\n