View Single Post
      05-12-2014, 01:31 PM   #8
mkoesel
Moderator
United_States
7509
Rep
19,370
Posts

Drives: No BMW for now
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Canton, MI

iTrader: (1)

I would consider this a long shot for next generation.

The next big engine revolution is likely to be the elimination of the V8 in the 5 series (except for M5). Rumors of this happening in the next E class are beginning to pick up (in favor of a new Mercedes I6 of all things), so we might see this happen for the G30. Once it does happen, though, it will set into motion the downsizing of engines in the smaller vehicles in the lineup as well. But I would still expect at least one generation after this occurs for the I6 to be eliminated from the 3 series, and perhaps not even until a generation after that happens would it then be replaced in the M3. Of course that timeline could put us fifteen years out which might be longer than it will actually take.

We haven't seen a single long running nameplate switch to hybrid-only power yet. That's another key event that needs to happen before am I4 M3 too. I do think it is likely this will occur in luxury segments first though.
Appreciate 0