BMW product development chief Frank Weber has suggested that a combustion-powered BMW M3 may coexist alongside the forthcoming quad-motor electric M3, while at the same time confirming the e-M3 will get the quad-motor electric powertrain BMW has been seen running a prototype of. He also reaffirmed the powertrain’s ability to pump out in excess of 1,300 horsepower.
Speaking to Australian publication Car Expert, Weber said the next M3 will be underpinned by the brand’s EV-dedicated Neue Klasse platform, revealed through the Vision Neue Klasse Concept earlier this month.
“The next M3 will be battery electric, fully battery electric,” said Weber. “And, the Heart of Joy [the all-new Neue Klasse control unit] was designed for four independently operating electric machines up to 1 megawatt (1,341 hp).”
But despite the transition to electrification, Weber hinted the current S58 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine from the current M2, M3, and M4 could still live on alongside the electric version.
