At the moment, we’re getting a lot of fans asking us when the next G80 BMW M3 will be revealed. While we don’t know exactly when, we know it won’t be for awhile. So if you’re looking to buy one when it makes its debut, you’re going to have to wait. According to Car and Driver, the G80 M3 won’t make its official debut until mid-2020, which means it will go on sale as a 2021 model.
That’s not super normal for BMW, as the M3 typically only takes a year to launch after each new 3 Series. If the G80 BMW M3 debuts as a 2021 model, it will be two years after the G20 3 Series’ launch. What’s interesting about that, and likely the reason why, is the fact that C&D states it will get a simultaneous reveal with the upcoming BMW M4.
If it’s going to be revealed alongside the next-gen (G82?) BMW M4, that means we’re going to see the official 4 Series reveal this year. We haven’t seen or heard much about the next-gen 4 Series, be it spy photos or official info, so such news is quite exciting.
When the G80 BMW M3 debuts, it will be powered by the same new S58 engine as the BMW X3 M and X4 M. So it will be a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged I6 engine with 473 hp as-standard. There will also be a competition model available at launch and that will pack the same engine but with 503 hp. For those keeping score, that 503 hp is exactly the same amount as the Mercedes-AMG C63 S. Still, it’s a bit few ponies less than the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio’s 505 hp.
This new G80 BMW M3 will also be the first M3 in history to power all four wheels. According to our sources, there will be two models; a rear-wheel drive model and an all-wheel drive model; marking another first for the famed performance model. The rear-drive M3 will be available with either a manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic, while the all-wheel drive car will be automatic only. As for the M3 Competition, it will only be all-wheel drive and automatic.
We’re incredibly excited about the upcoming G80 BMW M3 but also a bit sad that we’re going to have to wait so long to see it. The silver lining is that we’re going to see the 4 Series before then.
[Source: Car and Driver]