We bet some of you did not know that BMW stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke (Bavarian Motor Works) and that the Bavarian flag inspired the logo’s design. BMW started producing aircraft engines in 1916 but was prohibited from building engines after World War 1, which resulted in them seeking other endeavors. Thankfully, the company persevered through another World War after that, and today we have some magnificent cars. Recently, BMW even announced a 700 HP engine with never-before-seen performance.
The new BMW engine will be seen in this new model
Top Gear had the privilege of sitting down with BMW Neue Klasse boss, Dr. Mike Reichelt. Reichelt spilled the tea on the next BMW M3 that will sport “a new type of six-cylinder engine.” According to Reichelt, the BMW M3 will be electric, with an 800-volt design that can produce up to 700 HP.
“Not only will this next M3 be the ‘best M car ever dynamically,’ but it will have a gas engine unique from the current models, we’re also going to offer the M3 with a new type of six-cylinder engine, because we understand it may be early for some committed M fans to make the switch to EVs.” – Reichelt.
The new and fully electric BMW M3 will surely reach new heights and target groups, as it will behave entirely differently while still blessing its customers with its inherent smoothness, balanced harmonics, and refinement. Additionally, its performance will be something that has never been seen before.
A performance that has never been seen before
The present BMW M3 boasts an S58 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, which results in 523 HP. The new BMW M3 will not be downsizing the engine to fit into the electric framework, which is why they will be keeping the inline-six engine. The BMW M engineers are reportedly improving the S58 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, which could result in a hybridized version. This means it could potentially be much more powerful than the current S58 engine, which might even match the 700 HP expected for the all-electric variant, as hinted at by Reichelt.
The engineers will incorporate mild-hybrid technology into the new M3, and the setup leverages a 48-volt starter generator, adding immediate torque to lower turbo lag, enhance throttle response, and elevate efficiency. These improvements will boost performance and meet the crucial forthcoming strict Euro 7 emissions regulations.
The importance of dynamics in the all-electric model
Dynamics are just as important as straight-line performance, if not even more, in the new and electric BMW M3.
|It’s no longer about making a car that has the fastest 0-62mph time, but rather a car that offers precise dynamics. That’s what our control unit does; you go into a bend with a certain steering angle and don’t need to make corrections mid-corner.” – Reichelt.
Even though the car is expected to be heavy, it will have sharp handling and precise steering response. The new BMW M3 will showcase the new “Heart of Joy” performance control unit. The control unit will integrate controls for the drivetrain, braking, energy recuperation, charging, and steering into one unit that reads information 10 times faster than the preceding control units. This promises its drivers “exceptional precision.’
For those who are over the moon and beyond excited about the new and electric BMW M3, the new inline-six will not be seen in action as soon as you might have hoped. According to Motor1.com, the Neue Klasse BMW 3 Series is expected to make its debut sometime this year before going on sale early in 2026, while the M3 won’t make its debut at least until the following year. Sales can be expected in either late 2026 or early 2027. The good news, it gives BMW enthusiasts time to save up!