The BMW M3, a quintessential high-performance vehicle and the German automaker’s most iconic sports sedan, takes the leap to electrification. BMW’s Product Growth Chief, Frank Weber, has officially confirmed long-standing speculation during a recent roundtable interview in Portugal.
As speculation surrounding a electrically-powered M3 has circulated for months, the notion appears to be validated.
BMW officials revealed to automotive journalists that the first-ever electric BMW M3 is expected to hit the market around 2027. The highly anticipated electric vehicle is poised to ride shotgun on the cutting-edge Neue Klasse platform from BMW.
BMW unveiled its futuristic Neue Klasse model, offering a first look at the company’s cutting-edge, eco-conscious vision for the future of driving. This iconic era for BMW’s compact, agile cars laid the groundwork for their celebrated models.
Weber verified that the Neue Klasse framework was engineered to accommodate four independent electric motors, capable of producing a combined one megawatt.
Frank Van Meel, BMW M’s CEO, quipped that his team’s dedication to building performance cars is a labor of love, as they’re driven by the desire to create vehicles that “make you feel like you’re flying.” During his visit to Australia, the CEO of the efficiency model brand emphasized the possibilities of a 1-megawatt sports sedan built upon the upcoming next-generation platform. A megawatt translates to approximately 1,341 horsepower.
BMW plans to unveil its first all-electric M3 performance sedan.
With Weber’s new electric vehicle platform, you’ll be free to take your creativity to the next level and explore limitless possibilities. He explained, “Following this, you’ll be able to configure settings allowing for more nuanced control over rear-wheel drive biased systems, leveraging the management capabilities offered by electric motors.”
Last year, BMW unveiled its most powerful and speedy electric vehicle to date: the i7 M70 xDrive sedan, boasting up to 660 horsepower.
BMW has further teased its upcoming quad-motor i4 electric model. The BMW i4 M50 is currently the company’s best-selling M model, starting at $69,700 and featuring a dual-electric powertrain that produces 536 horsepower.
Regardless, the efficiency model appears poised to debut its inaugural electric BMW M3 variant. “Weber emphasized that the Neue Klasse location already boasts impressive credentials, with only one addition needed to make it truly exceptional.”
While that may be a significant leap forward from current norms. The new model will likely draw parallels with the M3 series, remaining relatively close to the initial introduction of the Neue Klass product lineup.
Scheduled for release in 2025, the Neue Klasse platform is expected to deliver “a 30% increase in variability, 20% faster charging times, and a 25% overall enhancement in vehicle efficiency.”
As clients seek the pinnacle of performance and efficiency, a game-changing electric vehicle boasting nearly 1-megawatt capabilities is poised to revolutionize their expectations.
While it’s possible that a minor issue may exist with the engine sound, it’s unlikely to significantly impact the vehicle’s overall performance or behavior if left unaddressed. It’s unimaginable.
BMW plans to introduce an electric M3 shortly after production begins on the Neue Klasse, emphasizing that individuals crave the unique driving experience offered by M in the battery-electric realm.
BMW intends to continue producing gasoline-powered versions of its iconic M3 for a while yet, despite the excitement surrounding its electric M3 debut.