The next-generation BMW M3 will be fully electric, according to BMW executives. In an interview with Australian outlet Drive, BMW boss Frank van Meel confirmed that they are working on making the next M3 a pure electric vehicle. He stated, “Of course, we’re trying to make [the next M3] happen as pure electric.” This was further supported by Frank Weber, BMW’s production honcho, who explicitly stated that the next M3 will be fully battery-electric.
However, for traditionalists, there is some relief as the internal combustion engine (ICE) version of the M3 will also be available alongside its electric counterpart. Weber mentioned that the current M3’s 3.0-liter straight-six engine will be updated to meet future emissions standards. He assured that the ICE and electric versions will coexist in the market.
As for what to expect from the electric M3, details are scarce. Nevertheless, BMW has hinted at the potential for a quad-motor powertrain with an output of up to 1,341 horsepower. The M3 will be built on the Neue Klasse platform, which has been designed to accommodate front-, rear-, and all-wheel-drive models. The platform’s new Heart of Joy electronics architecture will centralize software and sensor-based elements in a single electronic control unit (ECU), providing fast and precise responses for dynamic handling.
Another noteworthy aspect is the sound of the electric M3. BMW plans on creating a more authentic soundtrack, departing from the synthetic soundtracks used in their current electric lineup, which were composed by Hans Zimmer.
The electric M3 is expected to be released around 2027, following the debuts of the next-generation iX3 crossover and i3 sedan in 2025. While the exact specifications are yet to be confirmed, sources suggest an output of approximately 700 horsepower for the M3 EV. With BMW aiming to surprise consumers with their Neue Klasse products, the electric M3 is anticipated to be groundbreaking.
Sources:
- Drive – Australian outlet
- CarSales – Australian outlet
- Straits Times interview with Frank Weber
- BMW Blog