---
title: "Next-Gen BMW M3, M4 May Have Nearly 500 Horsepower: Report"
description: "Some variants could even surpass the 500-hp mark."
date: "2019-03-19"
modified: "2019-03-19"
authors:
  - name: "James Gilboy"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/james-gilboy"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/27033/next-gen-bmw-m3-m4-may-have-nearly-500-horsepower-report"
categories:
  - "BMW News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
tags:
  - "BMW"
  - "BMW M"
  - "BMW M3"
  - "BMW M4"
  - "Inline Six"
  - "Sports Sedans"
---

# Next-Gen BMW M3, M4 May Have Nearly 500 Horsepower: Report

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2017/04/bmw-m4-gts-hero-image.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

BMW is reportedly planning to give its next-generation mid-tier M cars a substantial horsepower boost, with some variants of these cars breaking the 500 mark.

This power will reportedly come from a new inline-six codenamed S58, a more powerful take on the company's B58, as used in cars like the new Z4. [*Autocar*](<https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/2020-bmw-m-division-models-receive-new-500bhp-engine>) reports that run-of-the-mill S58s will produce 473 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, or 48 horses more than the current S55-powered M3 and [M4](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/23842/2018-bmw-m4-test-drive-review-the-gold-standard-of-ultimate-driving-machines-holds-its-luster-for-now>).

"It is, for all intents and purposes, an all-new drivetrain with significant changes to the base engine that allow it to rev beyond 7,000 rpm and deliver a much higher specific output," a BMW M official reportedly told the publication.

BMW will reportedly achieve this power output by lengthening the engine's stroke but lowering compression, allowing the 3.0-liter unit significantly increased power density. Variants of the S58 are reported to power the M3, M4, [X3 M, X4 M](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/23464/bmw-reveals-new-x3-m-and-x4-m-at-nrburgring-test>), and even an updated M2, though detuned in this application.

First among BMW's vehicles to use the S58 will reportedly be an M4 "Gran Coupe" sedan, following which will be a classical M4 coupe, convertible, and an M3 sedan. Per the above, standard output for the M4 will be 473 horsepower, reportedly through a torque converter automatic transmission to all wheels via the company's xDrive system, in the same vein as [the current M5](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/24259/2018-bmw-m5-test-drive-review-luxury-sedan-or-supercar-but-never-both-at-the-same-time>). BMW is allegedly playing with making a cheaper, rear-wheel-drive, manual-only version as well.

BMW is reported to be planning a breakthrough of the 500 horsepower mark with the M4 Competition, which is said to produce 502 horsepower without using the water injection system found on the current-gen M4 GTS, with its 493 horsepower. Water injection could reportedly return to the M4 on a successor to the M4 CS or GTS, the latter of which would be named the M4 CSL in keeping with [BMW's updated name scheme](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/20803/bmw-confirms-classic-csl-badge-to-supersede-gts>).

The powered-up new generation of M3 and M4 is reported to be "due" in 2020, though sadly, whether that means an announcement or showroom arrival was not specified.

## Author
James is a former staff writer for The Drive. He has changed the conversation around electrification, debunked misinformation online, and become a prominent hunter of what he calls "automotive cryptids."

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://instagram.com/jamesgilboy>)