Don't Worry, There's No Four-Cylinder BMW M Models Coming… For Now
BMW‘s M isn’t ruling out a possible hybrid four-cylinder powertrain for the future.
Head of BMW M, Frank Van Meel, told Australian media the sub-brand plans on sticking with six-cylinder powerplants even though its rivals are turning to four-cylinder mills. According to Van Meel, a four-cylinder engine doesn’t have the characteristics he would like to see in an M car, even if it’s turbocharged. “I wouldn’t do a four-cylinder standalone turbocharged with high performance, because you always have the characteristic that if you want high performance you lose the low-end torque and you lose the overall driveability you want to have from the car,” he said.
But the company isn’t entirely ruling out the idea of a four-cylinder powertrain eventually heading into the engine bay of BMW M models. The boss admitted electrification with a four-cylinder engine is a possibility, but it won’t be anytime soon.
SEE ALSO: BMW isn’t Building a Hypercar Anytime Soon
While electric motors could help boost low-end torque, using a hybrid powertrain means adding weight to the car, which is not something BMW M models like to do. The performance sub-brand is working with BMW’s i sub-brand on looking at next-generation battery cells and seeing when it would be the right time to go towards electrification. The good news for die-hard BMW M enthusiasts? That time is not now.
“So, with nowadays technology, we don’t see that [working], but I can’t tell you what the next steps with the BMW Group will be,” Van Meel added.
[Source: CarAdvice]
Discuss this story on our BMW M5 Forum
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
More by Jason Siu
Comments
Join the conversation
WHEW!!! THANK GOD For a moment; i was concerned BMW may resurrect an E30 M3 or whatnot. i mean who wants that??