BMW Confirms: The Next M3 Won’t Be a Hybrid

BMW has officially confirmed that the next-generation M3 will skip the hybrid middle ground entirely, splitting the lineup into two distinct powertrains: a combustion version and a full-electric version. Speaking to PistonHeads, BMW M boss Frank Van Meel made it clear that the upcoming M3 “won’t be hybrid,” emphasizing the brand’s commitment to the “perfect combustion principle” for its traditional performance models. The combustion M3 will carry over the updated S58 inline-six engine with M Ignite technology, which is already debuting this year in the current M3 and M4. This engine will continue to power future M cars, including a manual-transmission variant. The electric M3, meanwhile, will ride on BMW’s Neue Klasse platform, promising “extreme” vehicle dynamics and superior track performance compared to its combustion counterpart. While the combustion M3 will retain some electrification via a 48-volt mild-hybrid system—unlike the heavier plug-in hybrid setup in the new BMW M5—BMW is deliberately avoiding a full hybrid option to prevent the weight penalties and public scrutiny that plagued the M5’s launch. Van Meel framed the strategy as BMW’s way of “going to the extremes,” catering to purists with the naturally aspirated thrill of the S58 while pushing the boundaries of electric performance with the upcoming EV M3. The combustion M3’s days are numbered, however, as BMW has already announced that 2027 will mark the final model year for the current generation, making way for the radical new platform and powertrain options.