2019 BMW M3 To Lead 26 New Models From The M Division By 2020

The sixth-generation of BMW’s M3 is due in 2019 and by the sounds of things, it will lead a major expansion from the performance brand line-up.

A whole host of new M and M-Performance models are currently being planned with the sole purpose of claiming back sales advantages currently being enjoyed by the rival performance divisions (Audi and Mercedes).

BMW M’s strategy has been described to Autocar as the most ambitious yet undertaken by the performance division. Hot on the heels of the recently revealed new M5, it plans to add up to 26 new or enhanced models by the end of 2020: 11 hardcore M models and 15 M-Performance variants. So which models can we expect?

Hardcore M Models

• M2 CS / Competition
• X3 M
• M3, M4 and M4 Cabriolet
• Z4 M
• X4 M
• M8 Coupe and Cabriolet
• X5 M and X6 M

M Performance Variants

• X3 M-Performance
• M340i Saloon and Touring
• X2 M-Performance
• X4 M-Performance
• M140i hatch
• X7 M-Performance
• M440i Coupe, Cabriolet and Gran Coupe
• M240i Coupe, Cabriolet and Gran Coupe
• X5 and X6 M-Performance

Previous reports suggested the new M3 would be powered by a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain with a gearbox-mounted electric motor providing additional performance via an extra driving mode. However, sources at BMW M say those reports were wildly speculative. The latest word from M division’s Garching headquarters is that the M3 will stick with a conventional combustion engine in the form of an upgraded version of BMW M’s twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder unit mated to either a standard-fit six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic.