The filing of a novel trademark reveals the name of BMW’s inaugural high-performance electric vehicle in the M series. Is the iconic BMW M3 going electric, potentially rebranded as the iM3?
The whispers are finally laid to rest: BMW’s iconic M3 is set to trade its gasoline guzzling past for an electrifying future. BMW has reportedly filed a trademark application with the European Union Intellectual Property Office for its inaugural electric M car, tentatively dubbed the iM3.
A recently discovered trademark, filed in March and yet to release any additional details.
As news emerged of an impending powertrain overhaul, it became clear that the M3 would be going electric by design, following confirmation from Frank Weber, BMW’s product improvement chief, in September.
During the BMW i5 launch event, Weber briefed journalists that the inaugural electric M car, the M3, is slated for arrival around 2027.
The high-performance electric vehicle (EV) is expected to ride on BMW’s Neue Klasse platform. BMW revealed its highly anticipated New Class in September, providing an early glimpse into the car’s innovative design.
“We’re not just penning the next installment of BMW’s story; we’re authoring a completely fresh narrative,” Weber declared at the event. The company’s CEO emphasized that Neue Klasse will have a profound impact on all future model lines.
BMW’s next-generation electric vehicles (EVs), scheduled for release in 2025, are poised to debut with significant upgrades, including a 30% increase in range, 30% faster charging times, and a 25% enhancement in overall vehicle efficiency.
BMW to unveil its first all-electric M car, the i4 M50.
Weber confirmed that the brand-new platform was engineered to accommodate four independent electric motors, each capable of generating up to a megawatt of power.
BMW M CEO Frank van Meel emphasized the possibilities of a high-performance electric vehicle boasting a staggering 1-megawatt output, underpinned by its innovative platform. This could potentially produce a staggering 1,340 horsepower.
With the brand-new platform, you may go loopy, according to Weber. “He explained that after this point, there will be settings where you can delve further into something that’s progressively becoming a rear-wheel drive biased system, utilizing the control capabilities offered by electric motors.”
In April, BMW unveiled its most potent electric vehicle to date, the i7 M70 xDrive, boasting a remarkable 660 horsepower. The company also gave a sneak peek at a forthcoming i4 model, which will reportedly boast four motors.
Notwithstanding, BMW aims to pioneer it with its first all-electric M vehicle. Weber explained that the company aims to showcase something that highlights “the ‘Neue Klasse is already very bold.’ Noting, ‘It will feature an M3 and won’t stray far from the initial unveiling of the Neue Klass.'”
The BMW Group’s all-new compact car, codenamed Neue Klasse, is set to hit the market in 2025. The iM3 is expected to begin production shortly thereafter.
