What Engine Is in the 2020 BMW M3?

The 2020 BMW M3 has been making headlines for months for a number of different reasons, but one point of intrigue has remained among enthusiasts – the engine. After all of the news releases, BMW hasn’t really said anything to this point, and the camouflaged test runs only make understanding the BMW M3 design and engine that much more tantalizing. What’s really under the hood on this beautiful model? Hints and secrets still abound on this model, but there are a few clear signals. 

Three Levels of Power

Most industry experts agree that the M3 will have the S58 3-litre straight six engine you see today in the X3 M and the X3 M competition. Two turbochargers should be part of the package. Most also agree that you’ll be able to get a pure version of the M3 that offers a manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, and an output of 444 horsepower.

You may be able to top that with the base model, though, which will increase that number to 475 horsepower. Unfortunately, you can probably only get that model with an eight speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. At the top of the spectrum will be the competition model. It should include 500 horsepower and have an automatic transmission that pushes power to all four wheels. 

A Closer Look at the Body

Getting a closer look under the hood isn’t the only thing most enthusiasts want from BMW when it comes to the M3. It would also be nice to just see the beautiful BMW M3 design as a whole, but even there, the only reports available are based on spy photos from test track footage. 

The M3 will share a large front end with bigger kidney grilles with the M4 design. The kidney grille, however, goes into the front bumper on this vehicle. The exhaust design has been a point of discussion among enthusiasts recently as well. The muffler is the same style the M2 Competition model is using, which makes it fairly large and low-hanging compared to many other vehicles. 

You likely won’t be able to see any of this until the 2019 Frankfurt Auto Show in September, but even then, BMW hasn’t said whether it will be showcasing a production model or a concept car, as production isn’t expected to start until the second half of 2020. 

In the meantime, visit Braman BMW in West Palm Beach. We’re here to help answer your questions – and show you our extensive selection of the best Bimmers on the market.