BMW M’s six-cylinder petrol engine has been saved from extinction, thanks to a new combustion system that reduces emissions. The S58 twin-turbo straight-six engine will be Euro 7 compliant, with unchanged power outputs.
The new combustion system, called M Ignite, uses pre-chamber ignition technology. This technology is similar to that used in Maserati’s Nettuno V6 engine and has been proven in Formula 1.
Pre-chamber combustion technology uses a small explosion to ignite fuel, rather than a traditional spark at high loads. This results in quicker and more evenly spread ignition across the combustion chamber.
This means that less fuel is needed for the same power output, reducing consumption and emissions. It also reduces the chances of uncontrolled ignition or knock.
BMW claims that fuel consumption under high loads has been reduced substantially. The effects will be noticeable for trackday goers when driving hard for extended periods.
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The engine still features conventional spark plugs for consistent and smooth running under lower loads, in normal road use. Exact numbers in terms of CO2 g/km outputs have yet to be published.
For reference, the current M3 Competition xDrive produces up to 230g/km of CO2, according to WLTP-standard testing. Power and torque figures, as well as displacements, are not set to change.
The M3 and M4 will still have 2993cc engines and should be good for their current 503bhp and 479lb ft outputs. The M3 and M4 are set to receive the new system from July 2026.
All M2 variants will get the engine from August 2026. With the new combustion system, BMW M’s six-cylinder petrol engine will continue to be a viable option for drivers who prefer a traditional petrol engine.
Notably, BMW M has been making changes to other models as well, including recalibrating the M5’s combustion engine and hybrid system to reduce emissions output. Furthermore, the electric version of the next-generation BMW M3 is now officially coming in 2027, marking a new era for M cars.
