Good news for BMW fans—the gas-powered M3 is expected to keep its six-cylinder engine, steering clear of the downsizing trend that saw the Mercedes-AMG C63 switch to a four-cylinder
BMW M3 Stays True to Inline-Six Power, Avoiding Downsizing Trend
BMW fans can breathe a sigh of relief—the next-generation gas-powered M3 is expected to retain its iconic inline-six engine, steering clear of the downsizing trend that has affected rivals like the Mercedes-AMG C63. This confirmation comes from BMW M CEO Frank Van Meel, who spoke with Australian outlet Drive during a recent media event.
Last year, Mercedes-AMG made a controversial decision to replace the beloved V8 in the C63 with a high-tech four-cylinder hybrid. Despite its impressive power output, the change alienated many fans, as it stripped the C63 of one of its defining characteristics—its raucous V8 soundtrack. BMW M, however, has no plans to follow suit.
Gas-Powered M3 to Coexist with Electric iM3
As the current G80-generation M3 nears the end of its production cycle, teasers and spy shots hint at the arrival of a new model. BMW’s Neue Klasse strategy will introduce an all-electric iM3 alongside the traditional gas-powered M3.
Speaking to Australian journalists, Van Meel confirmed that the next-gen M3 will continue to feature a six-cylinder engine.
“We are going electric, and on the other hand, we are going to keep our inline-six for the next generation,” Van Meel stated. “Like the V8, the inline-six is an iconic engine that perfectly suits the M3 in terms of weight distribution, power output, and dynamics.”
Track Performance Over Downsizing
Van Meel emphasized that many M3 owners take their cars to the racetrack, and downsizing to a smaller engine—like AMG did—would compromise the M3’s core identity as a high-performance machine. While electric powertrains offer smooth, linear acceleration, they are not yet ideal for sustained track use.
“Downsizing to a four-cylinder would be difficult for continuous performance on tracks,” Van Meel explained. “The M3 is used on tracks a lot, so that ruled out the possibility of downsizing.”
Meeting Euro 7 Emissions Standards Without Compromise
Stringent Euro 7 emissions regulations pose additional challenges to maintaining larger engines, but BMW M is committed to adapting without sacrificing performance. Van Meel acknowledged that while competitors like AMG are taking different approaches, BMW prefers to chart its own course.
“You shouldn’t adjust your direction based on what others are doing,” he said. “By the time you react to competitors, it’s already too late.”
Van Meel concluded with a Dutch proverb that encapsulates BMW M’s philosophy:
“If you’re on the sea, you shouldn’t follow the beacons of other ships. You should navigate by looking at the stars—it helps you avoid crashing on the shore.”
With this steadfast approach, the next-generation M3 is set to preserve its legendary inline-six character while evolving for the future.
