BEIJING, CHINA - Citizens wear protective masks as they visit the BMW M3 car during the 2020 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition at China International Exhibition Center on September 28, 2020 in Beijing, China.
(Photo : Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
A radical change might be happening to the BMW M3 soon with development boss Frank Weber hinting in an interview that the next generation of the popular sports sedan could offer customers a choice of either electric power or petrol.
Weber made the revelation on Auto Motor und Sport. The top BMW executive said that the next M3 version could be the first one in the series to exclusively use electric motors and batteries. That is a big transition for the M3, which currently relies on the twin-turbocharged petrol inline-six for its power.
'Neue Klasse' platform ushers in new era for BMW
BMW's 'Neue Klasse' platform makes it entirely possible for the next generation of the M3 to be electric. The German automaker has been developing electric powertrains under this particular platform. However, BMW wants to retain the option of having petrol, diesel, and hybrid as the main sources of power for these cars, which are set to launch in 2025.
Weber told the German publication that we have to imagine the next version of the M3 in a completely different way with the emergence of electric motors. He said, "What we are bringing to the Neue Klasse with the modular electric drive system is fundamentally different from what we know today." Weber added that all of the modules are cross-architecture, and these can be adapted for all future vehicle concepts, including electric cars.
Related Article: Bugatti Partners With Bytech To Develop All-electric Foldable Scooter: Is an Electric Car Next?
Internal combustion engines still part of BMW's plans
The M3 might be going electric for its next-generation vehicle, but that does not mean the future model will no longer be powered by gasoline or diesel. Weber emphasized that fact in the interview, saying, "I didn't say that. It's still too early for that."
Weber explained why BMW will still create models powered by internal combustion engines in the future. "In 2025, there will still be many people who cannot drive an electric car because they do not have the necessary infrastructure. This will develop at very different speeds in the individual markets."
Weber said that it is important to him that BMW will not force its customers to choose between the new and the supposedly old. The company always aims to offer buyers the most sustainable and innovative vehicles, regardless of their drive type.
Weber echoed the sentiments of BMW CEO Oliver Zipse regarding electrification. Zipse expressed skepticism about an all-electric 3 Series for BMW's worldwide markets, saying that there is a time when you might need to have two offerings in that segment. He added that it is important to look at market volumes on a global scale before deciding on going all-in with just one architecture, in this case electrifying its fleet.
READ MORE ON AWN:
Shakeup at Tesla as Company's Top Black Executive Steps Down as HR Chief
Cango Inc: Enhancing the Automotive Experience in China's Lower Tier Cities
See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?
