Electric BMW M3 teased, likely has 4-motor powertrain
BMW M on Wednesday released images of a prototype of what is probably its upcoming electric M3 sports sedan. Posted to the performance division's official Instagram page[1], the photos show a camouflaged sedan with the same exaggerated wheel arches as the prototype BMW M has been using to test a four-motor layout[2] for future performance EVs. It would make sense for a quad-motor powertrain to debut in a car wearing the M3 badge, one of the most hallowed in BMW lore.
Prototype for electric BMW M3 based on Neue Klasse platform
The electric BMW M3[3] was confirmed by M division boss Frank van Meel in an interview earlier this year, with the executive boasting that it "will beat everything you have ever seen." Sign up for Newsletter One of several electric M models understood to be in development, the M3 will be part of BMW's Neue Klasse family[4] of next-generation EVs.
These will introduce updates like cylindrical battery cells and an 800-volt electrical architecture that BMW has said will deliver a 30% boost in charging speed and up to 30% better driving range compared to its current EVs.
Prototype for electric BMW M3 based on Neue Klasse platform The electric M3 could also feature simulated gear shifts[5] and artificial engine sounds synced to a driver's inputs, similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. In a separate interview, van Meel said BMW was working on this feature, adding that he thought Hyundai's approach made sense.
Performance models like the M3 will likely arrive later in the Neue Klasse rollout.
Pre-production of the initial Neue Klasse SUV started at BMW's assembly plant in Debrecen, Hungary, last week, with production of customer cars expected in late 2025.
BMW then plans to ramp-up production at its main plant in Munich, Germany, followed by Mexican production in 2027.
References
- ^ Instagram page (www.instagram.com)
- ^ four-motor layout (www.greencarreports.com)
- ^ electric BMW M3 (www.greencarreports.com)
- ^ BMW's Neue Klasse family (www.greencarreports.com)
- ^ simulated gear shifts (www.greencarreports.com)