BMW M has offered detailed insights into its first electric performance model ahead of its upcoming global reveal.
Due in 2027 – one year earlier than previously thought – the as-yet unnamed model will be an electric counterpart to the iconic M3 sedan, and will be sold alongside its internal combustion-powered ‘brother’.
As previously speculated, the M3 EV (and all other Neue Klasse M models) are now confirmed to feature four electric motors – one on each corner, coined BMW M eDrive – and the same ‘Heart of Joy’ drivetrain and dynamics computing system found in the upcoming iX3.
Indeed, the first battery-electric M car utilises many of the technologies first seen in the iX3, although BMW’s performance division has adapted them for ‘M-specific requirements’ including sustained peak performance and racetrack capability.
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Bespoke components include a 100kWh-plus high-voltage battery featuring unique cells, a revised cell layout, and enhanced cooling.
While BMW has brought forward the release date of the M3 EV, there’s still plenty of work to be done before it reaches production according to project boss Philipp Brunn.
“It’s not going to be before 2027 and there’s still a lot of work to be done before the launch,” Mr Brunn told media outlets including CarExpert at the international launch of the new iX3 in Sotogrande, Spain.
“It’s still a few months to go before you will be able to see them on the road as production cars, but you can see early prototypes already being driven on track.”
“It will clearly be something different from the current combustion performance models. We’ll combine daily driving thrills with outstanding track driving qualities, but will stay true to the BMW M brand’s DNA.”
Rumour has it the quad-motor electric M3 will produce more than 746kW (1000hp), although BMW only confirmed that “overall output, horsepower, torque, and acceleration will reach new heights”.
Handling is also set to benefit from the drivetrain layout.
“Four electric motors allows fully independent and fast wheel control,” explained Mr Brunn.
“The setup also allows us to run all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive. So in effect, it’s a reinvention of the current BMW M xDrive.
“We have precise control of the torque and power of each wheel, so we can fully utilise the performance potential of our tyres, and this can be done on all friction surfaces, from low friction to high friction, in snow, rain and so on.
“We’ve added additional connections from the battery to the vehicle and the suspension system, so the whole thing stiffens the complete vehicle, which enhances vehicle dynamics.”
Tweaks to the battery and drive systems will result in a reduced driving range compared to the standard i3, which is expected to offer roughly 900km of travel between charging sessions.
Still, the 800-volt ‘iM3’ will likely boast more range than any electric vehicle (EV) currently on sale in Australia, including the Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD – the longest-range EV currently available here, with a claimed 750km.
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 performance EV is capable of faster charging than the upcoming electric 3 Series, although no figures have been floated.
“The primary goal was to create a car that’s usable on a daily basis, which means enough electric range, but also has very good track capabilities. To achieve this, we had to push the limits of the battery that’s been used in the base car,” said Mr Brunn.
“The overall system management will prioritise sustainable peak performance over efficiency and range, supporting driving excitement and the track focus typical for BMW M models.”
To build a fast EV is one thing, but to build a fun and engaging one is another challenge entirely. With this goal in mind, BMW will follow Hyundai down the path of fake gear shifts and engine noise, as featured in the Ioniq 5 N.
BMW also plans to curb the weight of the electric M3, and indeed all upcoming electric M models, by using natural fibre composites (NFCs) – a sustainable alternative to carbon fibre – for non-structural components.
On the design front, it’s believed the body of the camouflaged prototype shown throughout this story is close to production-spec.
Based on that information, the M3 EV brings pumped-out wheel-arches, aggressive front and rear bumpers, and pop-out door-handles.
M EVs won’t replace traditional combustion-powered performance models, at least not yet, as the seventh-generation M3 is set to feature a version of the venerable S58 engine. It’ll be sold alongside this new electric sports sedan.
This was confirmed by BMW M CEO Frank van Meel back in 2024, when he told German website Bimmer Today that engineers are in the process of tweaking the 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six to meet Euro 7 emissions regulations.
MORE: Electric BMW M3 teased as quad-motor performance sedan