There’s been a lot of speculation surrounding the upcoming G80 BMW M3. With massive changes made to the F90 BMW M5, such as the introduction of all-wheel drive, a torque-converter automatic gearbox and the lack of a manual transmission option, fans are naturally very curious (worried) about the next-generation M3. Fortunately, we have some very exciting news from a very reliable source close to BMWBLOG.
While we don’t have any official specs, nor has BMW officially confirmed anything to the public, we trust our source’s information to be accurate.
According to our source, the next-generation BMW M3 will be both rear-wheel drive and M xDrive all-wheel drive. Now, we aren’t actually sure if it will have both has separate options or it will just be M xDrive with a “2WD” mode, like the F90 M5, as our source didn’t specify. All we know is that, either way, the new M3 will have the option to either grip the road with all four wheels or shred its rear tires to bits.
This is actually good news, despite some purists that will bemoan it. The M3’s competition is fierce nowadays and it’s going to need all-wheel drive grip to keep up. Plus, after having driven the new M5 plenty, we’re fully confident in BMW’s ability to develop an all-wheel drive system that’s both incredibly fun and incredibly fast while also being safe when it needs to be.
For you purists, though, there is good news. The next BMW M3 will absolutely still have a manual option. Now, because we don’t know if there will be two separate M3 models, one rear-drive and one xDrive, we don’t know if the manual will be available for both. If there are separate models, it’s possible that the next M3 could only carry the manual on the rear-drive model, which makes more sense.
Powering the next-gen M3 is going to be some iteration of the new S58 engine — an M-ified version of the B58 — and it’s going to make between 450-500 hp. So combine that with M xDrive and a six-speed manual, along with all of the new chassis and handling techniques BMW is throwing at the next-gen 3 Series, and this has the potential to be the best BMW M3 yet. Though, we’re going to try and temper our enthusiasm a bit, so as to not over-hype the car. Emphasis on “try”.
This could be the best BMW ever made. M xDrive? Manual gearbox?! That are some fantastic news. If they make a wagon as well, it would be a dream come true.
I really doubt that BMW will let anyone tear up an AWD M car with poor manual clutch and gearbox operation.
Yup. This. As stated in the article, the author writes he’s not sure about transmission options. Oh, my! If they’re offering a manual, it’s obvious it won’t be along with Xdrive, therefore 2 options will be available: a classic one with rwd and manual and a 2nd one M5-like. And this generation will prove a manual M3 with rwd will be useless to develop for the next one. Anyway, my bet is the next gen will go hybrid.
You’re on the right track
I currently drive RWD M140i manual and have also tested xDrive 140i xDrive auto. AWD is a lot more forgiving machine, no doubt about that. So, close to 500hp RWD and manual only for the best of us…..:-D
I guess you’re right. And if I’m honest, automatic gearbox suits the S58 engine much better than the manual. I wouldn’t be sursprised if it would be a hybrid.
100% confirmed??
In our opinion, yes. But nothing is 100% till BMW says so.
Offering both RWD and AWD simulantiously for M3/ M4 makes sense, since the competitors are becoming more, better and faster than ever. Best Bmw decission since long time.
Different strokes for different folks.
I think it would be much cheaper to just develop an M xdrive system like they have in the new M5 for the new M3. However if BMW develop a RWD version only for the new M3 as a separate model, then the engineers and test drivers won the battle in the board room. And that is a win for all car guys and girls. The M3 has always been known to be a drivers car and drivers need a fair bit of skill to drive it properly fast. So lets hope for a separate RWD version with a manual. Kudos to BMW and their engineers.
Incredible
thought! It is unique for sharing in virtual world. It may be your boasting
business. Respect your planning. I love this car.
Why did you use that rear of the car in this article? The rear of the actual M340i xDrive would fit better vs that terrible mockup…