Electric M3 gets quad motors and simulated gearshifts, says BMW

The first electric BMW M3 will boast the most powerful e-motors in the brand’s history and feature synthesised engine notes and gearshifts as it heralds a new era of Neue Klasse M cars.

The electric M3 will arrive in 2027, based on the new i3 saloon due to be unveiled this year. BMW says its first electric M car will blend the driving passion and racetrack capability associated with the famous M badge with new levels of power, versatility and efficiency.

“The next generation of models are set to establish a new benchmark in the high-performance vehicle segment,” said Franciscus van Meel, managing director of BMW M division. “With the latest generation of Neue Klasse technology, we are taking the BMW M driving experience to a new level and will inspire our customers with outstanding, racetrack-ready driving dynamics for everyday use.”

Driving the electric M3 will be a four-motor powertrain, with an identical motor and single-speed gearbox driving each individual wheel. BMW hasn’t given any power or performance indications for the new M3 EV but has said it will use the most powerful versions yet of its Gen6 technology. We know that the new iX3 uses motors with around 230bhp each, suggesting that the electric M3 could break the 1,000bhp barrier.

The drivetrain will be able to operate in all-wheel-drive configuration or decouple the front motors for a true M3 rear-drive experience. BMW says that being able to individually manage torque and power to each wheel will also deliver a “new dimension of driving dynamics” via the bespoke “BMW M Dynamic Performance Control”.

Adding to BMW’s mission to give the new M3 EV true driver engagement, it will feature a new “soundscape” and synthesised gearshifts in the style of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N and Kia EV6 GT.

Like all Neue Klasse cars, the new electric M3 will be built on an 800V architecture with a battery of “at least” 100kWh. BMW says this unit has been optimised to deliver consistent high performance, while maintaining long-range capability. Aiding that, the M3 will feature the strongest recuperation so far attained from the Gen6 powertrain. The battery will form part of the structure of the car, connected to the front and rear axles for additional rigidity.

The M3 will also feature new materials aimed at cutting weight and the CO2 footprint of building the car. Natural fibres will appear in an M car for the first time, informed by the brand’s experience using them in motorsport since 2019.

This far out from launch, there’s no indication of price for the new electric M3. However, with the current petrol M3 priced from £91,000, don’t expect much change from £100,000 when it goes on sale in late 2027.