The current BMW M3 (and M4, for that matter) are so new that the welds on the have yet to cool, so why would I even consider talking about the next-gen model already? Because time tends to fly, and the next-gen M3 will actually be here before we know it. Add to this the fact that automotive technology is advancing incredibly fast, and it’s hard not to think about how different the next-gen M3 might actually be. Will BMW follow the hybridization route or will it go one step further and make the BMW M3 (And M4) full-on electric vehicles? I’m going to go out on a limb and say it’ll be the latter, and my reasoning behind this is rooted deeply in logic.

An Average Six Year Lifespan

Before I dive into the basis of my argument that the next-gen M3 will go electric, let me just remind you that the M3 has a typical life span of about six years, with the exception of the first-gen E30 model and the last-gen F80, the latter of which was discontinued in 2018 after just four years while we waited another 2 for the current G80 2021 M3 to come to life. The E36, E46, and E90/E92/E93 all ran for precisely six years.

BMW M3 Production History

Years Produced

Total Sales

E30 Generation

1986-1991

17,970

E36 Generation

1992-1999

71,242

E46 Generation

2000-2006

85,766

E90/E92/E93 Generation

2007-2013

65,985

F80 Generation

2014-2018

34,677

G80 Generation

2020 - Present


With this in mind, logic dictates that BMW will probably present the next-gen – aka the seventh-gen M3 – sometime in 2025 or 2026 with sales to commence sometime shortly after. That means in just 4 year’s time we’ll start hearing rumors and, hopefully, some official word of what direction BMW will take. We say it’ll take the electric route, and now I’ll tell you why.

The Next-Gen M3 Could Be Hybrid But Probably Not

We know that rival Mercedes is aiming to and already starting to downsize its engine lineup, something made possible by its huge advances in extracting tons of power from four-cylinder engines (see the AMG A45, for example). Going a step further, the company has learned that by adding in hybridization, it can give the same gut-churning performance to even larger models while still keeping those little four-bangers in play. This helps keep emissions low and, thanks to the nature of electric motors, it helps performance too. A prime example of this art is the new Mercedes-AMG C63, which we recently learned will only be offered as a four-cylinder hybrid. Mercedes even explained why it works back in March of 2021.

green 2021 BMW M3 Competition driving
BMW

Going the hybrid route might offer up more power, better performance, and a weight increase that is negligible and\or manageable. But, it could also open the door for BMW to be outdone by, say, Audi, Mercedes, or even some Japanese brands I’ll spare you the pain of mentioning for now. Outdone how? Well, what about adding more of that good electric juice and ditching gasoline altogether?

In 5 Years, Batteries Could Be Lighter, Charge Faster, and Offer More Range

Naturally, BMW can’t just go the EV route right now– that’s why the M3 and M4 are still sucking down that good oil-derived earth blood. Batteries are too heavy and keeping weight in check would be a nearly impossible, let alone driving dynamics and pricing. In a few years, though, new advancements could make batteries lighter to carry around, cheaper to produce, denser in energy reserves, and faster to charge. And, at that point, an electric M3 would be track-worthy too. Brands like Tesla, Lucid, and even Mercedes are able to offer 200 kW charging that can give you hundreds of miles of range in less time than it takes your tires to cool down. Factor in decreased battery weight (will we have solid-state batteries by then?) and cost, and the case for an electric M3 is pretty easy to make.

Taking the M3 and M4 Electric Won’t Be An Easy Transition

You can bet that BMW will find a way to move the M3 and M4 into EV territory. If it doesn’t do in mid-way through this decade, the following generation will undoubtedly be electric. That’s a discussion or another time, though. The real issue with transitioning the M3 and M4 into EV territory is the fallout from purists, fanboys, and keyboard warriors, the latter of which have probably never sat in a BMW, but I digress. Much like the bog-grille criticism, the hatred and drama will die off, but expect the M3 EV and M4 EV to have its fair share of drama until people actually get their hands on one. Where do you sit on the idea of an electric M3 or M4? Let me know in the comments section below.