BMW M has shared detailed insights into its first high-performance electric model ahead of its upcoming global unveiling.
The as-yet-unnamed model is scheduled to appear in 2027 – a year earlier than previously thought – and will be an electric counterpart to the legendary M3 sedan and will be sold alongside its combustion engine “brother”.
As previously speculated, it is now confirmed that the M3 EV (and all other new-class M models) will feature four electric motors – one at each corner, called BMW M eDrive – and the same “Heart of Joy” powertrain and dynamics computing system as the upcoming iX3.
In fact, the first battery-electric M car uses many of the technologies first seen in the iX3, although BMW’s performance department has adapted them to “M-specific requirements”, including sustained peak performance and track suitability.
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The tailor-made components include a 100+ kWh high-voltage battery with unique cells, a revised cell layout and improved cooling.
Although BMW has brought forward the release date of the M3 EV, there is still a lot to do before it goes into production, according to project boss Philipp Brunn.
“It won’t be until 2027 and there is still a lot to do before launch,” Brunn told other media Daily Sparkz at the international launch of the new iX3 in Sotogrande, Spain.
“It will be a few months before you can see them on the road as production cars, but you can see that early prototypes are already being driven on the track.”
“It will be significantly different than the current combustion engine performance models. We will combine daily driving fun with outstanding race track qualities, but remain true to the DNA of the BMW M brand.”
Rumors suggest that the four-motor M3 electric motor will produce more than 746 kW (1000 hp), although BMW only confirmed that “total power, horsepower, torque and acceleration will reach new heights.”
Handling should also benefit from the arrangement of the drive train.
“Four electric motors enable completely independent and fast wheel control,” explained Mr. Brunn.
“The setup also allows us to use all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive, so it is effectively a reinvention of the current BMW M xDrive.
“We have precise control over the torque and power of each wheel, allowing us to maximize the performance potential of our tires on all friction surfaces, from low friction to high friction, in snow, rain and so on.
“We added additional connections from the battery to the vehicle and to the suspension system, so the whole thing stiffens the entire vehicle, improving vehicle dynamics.”
Changes to the battery and drive systems result in a reduced range compared to the standard i3, which is expected to offer around 900km of range between charges.
Still, the 800-volt “iM3” is likely to have a greater range than any electric vehicle (EV) currently sold in Australia, including the Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD – at a claimed 750km, the longest-range electric vehicle currently available here.
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 high-performance electric vehicle can charge faster than the upcoming electric 3 Series, although no numbers have been revealed.
“The main goal was to create a car that could be used in everyday life, so had enough electric range, but also had very good racing capability. To achieve this, we had to push the limits of the battery that was used in the base car,” said Mr Brunn.
“The overall system management will give priority to sustainable peak performance over efficiency and range, thereby supporting driving pleasure and the racetrack orientation typical of BMW M models.”
Building a fast electric car is one thing, but building a fun and engaging one is a whole other challenge. With this goal in mind, BMW will follow Hyundai in the path of fake gear shifts and engine noises as seen on the Ioniq 5 N.
BMW also plans to reduce the weight of the electric M3 and all upcoming electric M models by using natural fiber composites (NFCs) – a sustainable alternative to carbon fiber – for non-structural components.
In terms of design, the bodywork of the camouflaged prototype featured in this story is believed to be close to production specifications.
Based on this information, the M3 EV features pumped-out wheel arches, aggressive front and rear bumpers, and pop-out door handles.
M EVs won’t replace traditional high-performance combustion engine models, at least not yet, as the seventh-generation M3 will feature a version of the venerable S58 engine. It will be sold alongside this new electric sports sedan.
BMW M CEO Frank van Meel confirmed this back in 2024 when he told the German website Bimmer today that engineers are in the process of optimizing the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six to meet Euro 7 emissions regulations.
MORE: Electric BMW M3 announced as a performance sedan with four engines
