BMW M has offered detailed insights into its first electric performance model ahead of its upcoming global reveal.
Due in 2027 – one year earlier than previously thought – the as-yet unnamed model will be an electric counterpart to the iconic M3 sedan, and will be sold alongside its internal combustion-powered ‘brother’.
As previously speculated, the M3 EV (and all other Neue Klasse M models) are now confirmed to feature four electric motors – one on each corner, coined BMW M eDrive – and the same ‘Heart of Joy’ drivetrain and dynamics computing system found in the upcoming iX3.
In fact, many of the technologies that were introduced in the iX3 are used for this first battery-electric M car; however, BMW’s performance division has developed technology to support ‘M-specific requirements’ such as sustained peak performance and racetrack capability.
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Bespoke components include a 100kWh-plus high-voltage battery featuring unique cells, a revised cell layout, and enhanced cooling.
Project boss Philipp Brunn said while BMW has announced the release date of the M3 EV, “there’s still plenty to work done before it goes into production.”
He told media outlets including childcareman.xyz at the international launch of the new iX3 in Sotogrande, Spain ‘It’s not going to be before 2027 and there is still much work ahead.
Just a few months before you can see them on the road as production cars, but early prototypes are already being driven on track. , ” and.
It will clearly be something different from the current combustion performance models,’ . Our daily driving thrills will be combined with the best track driving qualities, but we’ll keep our BMW M brand’s DNA intact. Paraphrast.
The quad-motor electric M3 will be more than 746kW (1000hp) in Rumour, although BMW said “overall output, horsepower and torque” as well as acceleration will reach new heights”.
Handling is also set to benefit from the drivetrain layout.
“Four electric motors allows fully independent and fast wheel control,” explained Mr Brunn.
The setup also allows us to drive all-wheels and rear- wheel,’ . It’s a remake of the current BMW M xDrive, so in effect.
It can be done on all friction surfaces, from low friction to high friction, in snow, rain and so on; we have precise control of the torque and power of each wheel.
So the whole thing makes the entire car stiffer, which increases vehicle dynamic because we’ve added more connections from the battery to that vehicle and also the suspension system. – ’.
The battery and drive systems will mean a lower driving range than the standard i3, which is expected to provide about 900km of travel between charging sessions, as Tweaks has been reduced.
Still, the 800-volt ‘iM3’ will likely boast more range than any electric vehicle (EV) currently on sale in Australia, including the Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD – the longest-range EV currently available here, with a claimed 750km.
And the BMW M Neue Klasse drivetrain will offer higher regenerative braking values than ‘standard’ Gen6 BMW Neue Klasse models.
Additionally, BMW says its first true performance EV is capable of faster charging than the upcoming electric 3 Series, although no figures have been floated.
It was the main objective of creating a car that’s practical and electric, which means enough power but also has very good track capabilities. This is a goal we have had to push the limits of the battery that’s been used in the base car,’ Mr Brunn said.
The overall system management will focus on sustainable peak performance rather than efficiency and range, promoting driving excitement and the track focus typical for BMW M models. – ’.
To build a fast EV is one thing, but to build a fun and engaging one is another challenge entirely. With this goal in mind, BMW will follow Hyundai down the path of fake gear shifts and engine noise, as featured in the Ioniq 5 N.
The electric M3 will also be weighed down by BMW, which is in fact all future electric motor models (and indeed natural fibre composites (NFCs)), using the green fibre fiber of carbon fibre – a sustainable alternative to carbon- fibre ‘for non-structural components’.
On the design front, it’s believed the body of the camouflaged prototype shown throughout this story is close to production-spec.
Based on that information, the M3 EV brings pumped-out wheel-arches, aggressive front and rear bumpers, and pop-out door-handles.
The seventh-generation M3 will be a variant of the venerable S58 engine, and is expected to replace traditional combustion-powered performance models (at least not yet) with M EVs. The redesigned electric sports sedan will be available with its new sales model, which is known as it’s going to sell alongside this brand-new .
This was confirmed by BMW M CEO Frank van Meel back in 2024, when he told German website Bimmer Today that engineers are in the process of tweaking the 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six to meet Euro 7 emissions regulations.
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Electric BMW M3 teased as quad-motor performance sedan
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