BMW is making bold strides into the world of electric mobility, a transition that isn’t just a fleeting trend but a commitment to the future of driving that will soon make its way into the automaker’s iconic M line, which is synonymous with high performance. Yes, you heard that right—get ready for dedicated electric M cars!
For those who are already fans of the M family, you might be familiar with the latest offerings like the i4 M50, i5 M60, iX M60, and i7 M70 M. These aren’t just any electric vehicles; they’re what BMW likes to call “tamer M Performance EVs.” But hold onto your hats, because the exciting news is that an electric M3 is on the horizon—think of it as the first truly dedicated M EV. Prototypes of this sporty sedan have already been spotted during testing, and BMW M is starting to reveal tantalizing details about what we can expect.
Now, if you’re someone who still cheers for the good old gas-powered engines, there’s a silver lining for you too. The new M3, anticipated to hit the market around 2027 (potentially arriving in 2028 for U.S. customers), will still offer the option to choose a traditional gas engine. Frank van Meel, the head honcho at BMW M, confirmed last October that buyers will have the flexibility to go either gas or electric for their new M3—how about that for versatility?
On the gas side of things, the new M3 will likely flex its muscles with a version of the robust twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that fans know and love from the current M3. It will be built on an updated version of the CLAR platform, shared with the forthcoming gas-powered 3-Series, both of which are currently undergoing testing. Meanwhile, the all-electric M3 is set to ride on the upcoming Neue Klasse dedicated EV platform, which will also be the foundation for a new electric 3-Series, likely dubbed the i3, scheduled to debut in 2026. In fact, the first model to leverage the Neue Klasse tech is a compact crossover from the X3 lineup—buzz is that this will probably be branded as the iX3 and will hit the market soon.
Diving into the tech specs, BMW M is pouring resources into a quad-motor powertrain that promises to elevate the electric M driving experience. Each wheel will be powered by its own motor, allowing for a precise, unique torque distribution that will fine-tune how the car grips the road. This means navigating tricky corners or slippery surfaces could be a breeze! With more than 1,340 horsepower on the table for some models, the electric M3 might be capped around 700 hp, but that’s still a staggering amount of power for any vehicle.
What’s more, with cutting-edge sensors and real-time data about the driver’s input, the car is designed to adjust torque dynamically. Picture this: the M3 can sense when you’re traversing a wet road and instinctively adapt to maintain control. BMW M is also focusing on delivering that classic, linear power delivery which fans have come to expect from their performance vehicles.
In an interesting twist, Van Meel hinted that the electric M3 could feature something akin to Hyundai’s simulated gear shifts. It’s designed to give drivers a visceral sense of speed without them having to glance away from the road. This kind of innovation speaks volumes about how seriously BMW takes the driving experience, especially on racetracks where precision is everything. To heighten that experience even further, the company is creating simulated engine sounds that will echo inside the cabin, allowing drivers to stay connected to the spirit of what a BMW M car is all about.
The interior tech is also getting a significant upgrade. Forget the traditional gauge cluster—you’ll be met with a head-up display that provides all the essential information right at the base of the windshield, freeing up your vision for the road ahead. Plus, there’s a sleek, large touchscreen in the center of the dashboard for a more intuitive control experience.
While the upcoming M3 will cater to both gas and electric aficionados, not all M models may follow this dual-path approach. There are whispers that the next 4-Series and its performance counterpart, the M4, may exclusively come as electric vehicles, reflecting the shift in preferences as we move deeper into an electrified future.
As the lines continue to blur between performance and sustainability, BMW is setting the stage for an electrifying journey ahead. Whether you’re a die-hard gasoline enthusiast or excited for the electric evolution, BMW M is poised to keep you thrilled and engaged with the best driving experience imaginable. So buckle up—big changes are coming, and they might just change the way you think about performance driving.
Image Source: Artistic Operations / Shutterstock
