Next petrol BMW M3 won't be a plug-in hybrid, may offer a manual option

The next-generation BMW M3 with an internal combustion engine won't follow the Audi RS5 and Mercedes-AMG C63 down the plug-in hybrid path.

Over the weekend BMW unveiled the M Concept Neue Klasse, which is a thinly disguised peek at the upcoming electric M3 that's based on the i3 sedan.

At the unveiling event held before the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, BMW M CEI Frank Van Meel told Piston Heads an updated version of the M3's 'S58' 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six engine, which is compliant with the latest Euro 7 emissions regulations, will debut later this year.

Looking for your next car? We'll help you research and compare so you choose with confidence.

He also noted: "It won’t be hybrid, as we’re sticking with the perfect combustion principle. Here we will go to the extremes, not the in-between.”

Mr van Meel elaborated further to The Irish News, stating "we wanted to pass that decision [about electrification] on to the customer".

“I will offer you the best combustion one there is, and at the same time, there’s one competitor that is quicker, and that’s the electric one. So it’s up to the customer to decide ‘which one do I like most’," he told the newspaper.

With two completely different M3s, one with a petrol engine, and the other a pure EV, soon to inhabit BMW showrooms, it seems M is happy to forgo the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option currently employed by its direct rivals, the V6 Audi RS5 and four-cylinder Mercedes-AMG C63.

It's too soon to tell how fans will take to the RS5 PHEV, but it's safe to say AMG aficionados weren't enamoured with the four-pot C63, which is set to be discontinued in favour the six-cylinder C53 that will debut later this year.

According to Piston Heads, the M3's updated six-cylinder drivetrain won't completely escape electrification, as it will have a mild-hybrid system to improve fuel economy ever-so-slightly.

The M CEO also hinted the new petrol M3 drivetrain may be offered with a manual transmission, telling The Irish News: "If you love [manual gearboxes], we’re going to offer them, you can buy them".

He cautioned that "it’s getting more difficult" to make cars with manual shifters, but promised the company would continue to do so for as long as it can.

Interestingly enough, one of the strongest markets for performance cars with manual transmissions is the USA, where the M3 CS Handschalter limited edition featuring rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission was launched just last month.

MORE: Explore the BMW M3 showroom