BMW M will follow Hyundai’s lead by incorporating fake gear shifts and engine noise into its first electric performance model.
Due in 2027 – one year earlier than previously thought – the as-yet unnamed EV will be a performance sedan in the mould of the iconic M3, sitting alongside its internal combustion engine-powered ‘brother’ in the BMW lineup.
BMW has remained relatively tight-lipped throughout the development of the M3 EV, but project boss Philipp Brunn finally opened up during the international launch of the iX3 SUV, revealing key details including aspects of the drivetrain and driving experience.
“Unique features like performance-specific driving modes, emulated gear shifting and specific sounds enhance the driving experience, underscore the uniqueness,” Mr Brunn told media including CarExpert in Sotogrande, Spain.
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“Most of the features have been patented and will be exclusive for BMW M models.”
Despite patenting some of its own tech, BMW isn’t the first automaker to explore simulated gear shifts and artificial engine noise in an EV.
Hyundai debuted similar tech with the hot Ioniq 5 N back in 2023, in an attempt to refute the suggestion that EVs couldn’t be engaging.
The Ioniq 5 N comes with three switchable propulsion sounds, dubbed ‘Ignition’, ‘Evolution’, and ‘Supersonic’, each of which is intended to inject more fun into the driving experience. ‘Ignition’ is intended to simulate the sound of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, both inside and outside the car.
It’s unclear exactly what BMW M will offer in terms of an artificial soundtrack, but a spokesperson has hinted that an early indication can be found at the end of the third episode of the brand’s ‘BMW M Electrified’ YouTube series.
As for gearing, Hyundai also introduced ‘N e-Shift’ – a system that simulates a dual-clutch automatic transmission through precise motor torque control.
The aim? To provide a familiar driving experience, bridging the gap between the characteristics of internal combustion engine vehicles and EVs.
BMW, however, claims that its unique gearing system also serves to improve the drivability of the quad-motor electric M3 in low-grip situations.
“One good example would be if you’re running on low friction and have the full potential of a very potent drivetrain, let’s say you’re doing snow handling or wet handling or something like that,” Mr Brunn explained.
“When you need maybe 30-40 per cent of the maximum potential and you’re not going so fast, let’s say 80km/h or 100km/h, you will only use a short bit of your accelerator pedal, and so the controllability and drivability is not as good.
“If you have something like gear shifts, you can reduce the maximum torque you have available and spread that over your whole drive pedal, and then it gets much more controllable.”
Indeed, the ‘iM3’ – if that’s what it ends up being called – has previously been spotted testing on ice ahead of its planned 2027 release.
When asked, BMW M representatives didn’t admit to benchmarking Hyundai products during the development of its debut electric model.
Porsche is also weighing the introduction of similar features for its upcoming EVs, having built an electric Cayenne prototype with fake engine sounds and gear shifts last year.