BMW says M3 petrol and electric models will co-exist ‘as long as regulation allows’ - Related to co-exist, new, says, will, electric
BMW says M3 petrol and electric models will co-exist ‘as long as regulation allows’
BMW’s M Division will sell its first battery-electric M3 alongside a internal combustion engine-powered “brother”, as it looks to offer multiple powertrain options across its performance lineup as long as it can.
Speaking with media at the Australian launch of the new M5 sedan, BMW M’s vice president for customer, brand and sales, Sylvia Neubauer, confirmed a combustion-powered M3 will be offered “in parallel” with the all-electric iM3 due in 2028.
“We offer all-electric M Performance models in most segments that deliver the genuine M feeling without any local emissions. But, we also believe that there will be room for other driver technologies, such as hybrid or conventional drives,” Ms Neubauer mentioned.
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“You can trust us, we are prepared for the future. I can also reassure you the all-electric M3 that I just mentioned, will have a brother with a combustion engine.
“They will exist in parallel. So no matter what the customer demand is, we will be able to cater for all needs in any market, as long as regulation allows.”.
in the recent past teased as a camouflaged prototype, the new BMW iM3 is expected to be powered by a quad-motor electric powertrain, reportedly generating up to 746kW.
The iM3, like the upcoming i3 electric sedan on which it’ll be based, will ride on BMW’s next-generation Neue Klasse dedicated electric vehicle platform, and feature the marque’s new integrated dynamics control system dubbed the ‘Heart of Joy’.
BMW will offer a combustion-powered 3 Series for the foreseeable future, with a new G50-series 3er expected in the latter stages of 2026. A petrol-powered M3 will follow, likely in 2028 or around the same time as its iM3 sibling.
It appears BMW M is working overtime to preserve the engaging and dynamic drive experience it’s famous for in these new all-electric halo cars, too.
The performance division in recent times put out a new video on its YouTube channel potentially previewing new powertrain sounds which mimic combustions engines – similar to what Hyundai N has done with the Ioniq 5 N.
It’s unclear whether these sounds will include fake ‘shifts’ to give the sensation of using a conventional transmission, though this all appears to be a development of the BMW IconicSounds powertrain noises offered in its plug-in hybrid and all-electric models.
Watch the above clip for more. You can hear the prototype’s powertrain sounds at the very end of the video.
The BMW M3 will likely be the next of BMW’s performance icons to make the jump into electrification, following the seventh-generation M5 which utilises the brand’s new M Hybrid plug-in hybrid technologies.
However, the XM SUV was the first M product to feature a plug-in hybrid system.
Further, the iM3 will be joined by a dedicated M model based on the Neue Klasse architecture. Like how the M5 utilises the XM’s V8 PHEV drivetrain, the Neue Klasse M car is expected to feature a version of the iM3’s quad-motor electric drive system, and should debut the aforementioned ‘Heart of Joy’ drive unit.
Currently, the M3 is available in sedan and Touring (wagon) forms, offering manual and automatic transmissions as well as the option of rear- or all-wheel drive. There’s also the lightweight CS track-focused version of the M3, and then the entire M4 family which is effectively a two-door take on the same formula.
It’s unclear whether the new i3 will offer both Sedan and Touring versions like the larger 5 Series and i5. Overseas reports have also indicated the 4 Series and M4 coupe and convertible models will go EV-only for their next generation.
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Nissan Juke Hybrid unlikely for Australia
Hybrid versions of the Nissan Juke are no closer to joining the Australian lineup, with an electric successor on the horizon.
Nissan’s smallest SUV model Down Under is now in its sixth year of production, after the second-generation light SUV launched in 2019. The Juke Hybrid was revealed in 2022 for the European and UK markets, and at the time Nissan’s local division mentioned it was off the table for Australians.
However, amid surging sales of hybrid SUVs, that stance softened to the point that Nissan Australia was actively considering releasing the Juke Hybrid in the local market by the end of 2022.
The model was still under study for Australia late last year, but recent comments by Nissan Oceania managing director, Andrew Humberstone, suggest the brand may be holding out for the third-generation Juke, which will reportedly be all-electric.
“Juke [Hybrid] is an interesting one. I’ve been a bit on the fence myself, and the team has tried to convince me otherwise,” Mr Humberstone told CarExpert.
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“We need to look in terms of where is it in two or three years’ time, as opposed to where it is today.
“I think the design is great, the interior is great, the ergonomics are great, but I think we need to be looking at different technology, and that’s coming. So the question then is, do we manage until then? That is the question for me.
“It’s not going to be in 2025. We’re talking within the next two to three years.”.
Exact launch timing for the new Juke is not known, but a global reveal in 2025 has previously been floated.
Previous reports indicate that the next-generation Juke could take inspiration from the angular Nissan Hyper Punk concept showcased at the 2023 Tokyo motor show. The next Juke could use the CMF-B EV platform, with an electrically excited synchronous motor powering the front wheels.
Auto Express reports batteries in the first Juke EV could vary in capacity from 40kWh to 52kWh, and feature nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistry, offering up to 400km of range. The new Juke could also gain a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup in higher-spec variants.
The next-gen Juke is expected to remain similar in size to the current generation at around [website] long, and will again be positioned to compete with the likes of the Mazda CX-3 and Toyota Yaris Cross.
Until the new Juke arrives, Nissan Australia could choose to either stick with the current petrol-powered model or introduce hybrid power.
The current Juke Hybrid teams a 69kW/148Nm [website] petrol engine with a 36kW/205Nm electric motor and [website] battery pack. Nissan UK quotes system power of 143PS, the equivalent of 105kW. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a ‘multi-modal’ automatic transmission.
Hybrid vehicle sales are up [website] per cent so far this year in Australia, thanks largely to Toyota, while EV sales are down [website] per cent.
Jordan is a motoring journalist based in Melbourne with a lifelong passion for cars. He has been surrounded by classic Fords and Holdens, brand-new ca...
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Here’s a better look at the new Nissan LEAF EV [Images]
![Here’s a better look at the new Nissan LEAF EV [Images]](/images/automotive-tech/picture/image_113.jpg)
The new Nissan LEAF already looks like a major upgrade. The little electric hatchback is due for a refresh, and we are finally getting a enhanced idea of what to expect after the new model was spotted again in the US. New images reveal a more crossover-like design.
Launched in 2010, the LEAF was the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle. Over 15 years later, Nissan’s electric hatch has fallen out of favor, with over an EV from nearly every brand now on the market.
Nissan is preparing to launch the next-gen LEAF, which promises to be more stylish, have more range, and charge faster.
, the firm previewed it with the Chill Out concept in 2021. After showing the new models to dealers, several described it as a crossover coupe and closer in design to the Ariya electric SUV. One even mentioned it looked like a “mini Ariya.”.
With an official debut expected later this year, the new Nissan LEAF is starting to pop up in public places for testing. Several photos are beginning to emerge online, capturing the upgraded model.
Last month, we got our first look at the new model testing in the US. Although it was covered, you can still see that the next-gen LEAF has a superior overall shape and design than the one we are used to seeing.
New images surfaced this week courtesy of Kindelauto, confirming the new LEAF will, in fact, be a crossover coupe. You can already tell it sits higher off the ground with a more aerodynamic sport profile.
The new LEAF was caught in Colorado Springs. Check back soon for more info leading up to its launch. Nissan is expected to officially reveal the new LEAF as a 2026 model later this year.
The LEAF will compete in the US against another next-gen EV and an old rival, the Chevy Bolt, which is also due to return later this year. With its debut around the corner, we got our first glimpse this week of what appears to be the new Bolt EV model (check out the video).
How do you feel about the new LEAF? Do you like the crossover design? Let us know what you think in the comments.
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Market Impact Analysis
Market Growth Trend
| 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.3% | 10.0% | 10.5% | 11.6% | 12.3% | 12.7% | 12.8% |
Quarterly Growth Rate
| Q1 2024 | Q2 2024 | Q3 2024 | Q4 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.9% | 11.7% | 12.4% | 12.8% |
Market Segments and Growth Drivers
| Segment | Market Share | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Connected Cars | 35% | 14.2% |
| Autonomous Driving | 22% | 18.5% |
| EV Technology | 28% | 21.9% |
| Telematics | 10% | 9.7% |
| Other Automotive Tech | 5% | 6.3% |
Technology Maturity Curve
Different technologies within the ecosystem are at varying stages of maturity:
Competitive Landscape Analysis
| Company | Market Share |
|---|---|
| Tesla | 16.9% |
| Waymo | 12.3% |
| NVIDIA DRIVE | 10.7% |
| Bosch | 9.5% |
| Continental | 7.8% |
Future Outlook and Predictions
The Nissan Says Petrol landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, changing threat vectors, and shifting business requirements. Based on current trends and expert analyses, we can anticipate several significant developments across different time horizons:
Year-by-Year Technology Evolution
Based on current trajectory and expert analyses, we can project the following development timeline:
Technology Maturity Curve
Different technologies within the ecosystem are at varying stages of maturity, influencing adoption timelines and investment priorities:
Innovation Trigger
- Generative AI for specialized domains
- Blockchain for supply chain verification
Peak of Inflated Expectations
- Digital twins for business processes
- Quantum-resistant cryptography
Trough of Disillusionment
- Consumer AR/VR applications
- General-purpose blockchain
Slope of Enlightenment
- AI-driven analytics
- Edge computing
Plateau of Productivity
- Cloud infrastructure
- Mobile applications
Technology Evolution Timeline
- Technology adoption accelerating across industries
- digital transformation initiatives becoming mainstream
- Significant transformation of business processes through advanced technologies
- new digital business models emerging
- Fundamental shifts in how technology integrates with business and society
- emergence of new technology paradigms
Expert Perspectives
Leading experts in the automotive tech sector provide diverse perspectives on how the landscape will evolve over the coming years:
"Technology transformation will continue to accelerate, creating both challenges and opportunities."
— Industry Expert
"Organizations must balance innovation with practical implementation to achieve meaningful results."
— Technology Analyst
"The most successful adopters will focus on business outcomes rather than technology for its own sake."
— Research Director
Areas of Expert Consensus
- Acceleration of Innovation: The pace of technological evolution will continue to increase
- Practical Integration: Focus will shift from proof-of-concept to operational deployment
- Human-Technology Partnership: Most effective implementations will optimize human-machine collaboration
- Regulatory Influence: Regulatory frameworks will increasingly shape technology development
Short-Term Outlook (1-2 Years)
In the immediate future, organizations will focus on implementing and optimizing currently available technologies to address pressing automotive tech challenges:
- Technology adoption accelerating across industries
- digital transformation initiatives becoming mainstream
These developments will be characterized by incremental improvements to existing frameworks rather than revolutionary changes, with emphasis on practical deployment and measurable outcomes.
Mid-Term Outlook (3-5 Years)
As technologies mature and organizations adapt, more substantial transformations will emerge in how security is approached and implemented:
- Significant transformation of business processes through advanced technologies
- new digital business models emerging
This period will see significant changes in security architecture and operational models, with increasing automation and integration between previously siloed security functions. Organizations will shift from reactive to proactive security postures.
Long-Term Outlook (5+ Years)
Looking further ahead, more fundamental shifts will reshape how cybersecurity is conceptualized and implemented across digital ecosystems:
- Fundamental shifts in how technology integrates with business and society
- emergence of new technology paradigms
These long-term developments will likely require significant technical breakthroughs, new regulatory frameworks, and evolution in how organizations approach security as a fundamental business function rather than a technical discipline.
Key Risk Factors and Uncertainties
Several critical factors could significantly impact the trajectory of automotive tech evolution:
Organizations should monitor these factors closely and develop contingency strategies to mitigate potential negative impacts on technology implementation timelines.
Alternative Future Scenarios
The evolution of technology can follow different paths depending on various factors including regulatory developments, investment trends, technological breakthroughs, and market adoption. We analyze three potential scenarios:
Optimistic Scenario
Rapid adoption of advanced technologies with significant business impact
Key Drivers: Supportive regulatory environment, significant research breakthroughs, strong market incentives, and rapid user adoption.
Probability: 25-30%
Base Case Scenario
Measured implementation with incremental improvements
Key Drivers: Balanced regulatory approach, steady technological progress, and selective implementation based on clear ROI.
Probability: 50-60%
Conservative Scenario
Technical and organizational barriers limiting effective adoption
Key Drivers: Restrictive regulations, technical limitations, implementation challenges, and risk-averse organizational cultures.
Probability: 15-20%
Scenario Comparison Matrix
| Factor | Optimistic | Base Case | Conservative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implementation Timeline | Accelerated | Steady | Delayed |
| Market Adoption | Widespread | Selective | Limited |
| Technology Evolution | Rapid | Progressive | Incremental |
| Regulatory Environment | Supportive | Balanced | Restrictive |
| Business Impact | Transformative | Significant | Modest |
Transformational Impact
Technology becoming increasingly embedded in all aspects of business operations. This evolution will necessitate significant changes in organizational structures, talent development, and strategic planning processes.
The convergence of multiple technological trends—including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and ubiquitous connectivity—will create both unprecedented security challenges and innovative defensive capabilities.
Implementation Challenges
Technical complexity and organizational readiness remain key challenges. Organizations will need to develop comprehensive change management strategies to successfully navigate these transitions.
Regulatory uncertainty, particularly around emerging technologies like AI in security applications, will require flexible security architectures that can adapt to evolving compliance requirements.
Key Innovations to Watch
Artificial intelligence, distributed systems, and automation technologies leading innovation. Organizations should monitor these developments closely to maintain competitive advantages and effective security postures.
Strategic investments in research partnerships, technology pilots, and talent development will position forward-thinking organizations to leverage these innovations early in their development cycle.
Technical Glossary
Key technical terms and definitions to help understand the technologies discussed in this article.
Understanding the following technical concepts is essential for grasping the full implications of the security threats and defensive measures discussed in this article. These definitions provide context for both technical and non-technical readers.
hybrid intermediate
electric vehicle intermediate
platform intermediate
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