The automotive landscape is abuzz with anticipation as the next-generation BMW M3 super-saloon approaches its much-anticipated launch in 2027. This groundbreaking model is set to revolutionize the M division, being the brand's inaugural fully electric offering. With ambitions to “set new standards,” this electrifying marvel is sure to enthrall car enthusiasts around the world. We got our first look at its camouflaged prototype late last year when BMW unveiled its mysterious ‘M HP BEV’ title. Drawing on the soon-to-be-released Neue Klasse 3 Series, debuting in 2026, the new M3 sports an eye-catching design, featuring wider wheel arches to accommodate a more robust track, coupled with sleek, deeper side skirts that grant it an imposing presence on the road.
Upon closer examination, the striking graphics on the wheels reveal clues to a remarkable quad-motor powertrain, akin to the exhilarating setups seen in hypercars such as the Rimac Nevera. This cutting-edge technology has been in development at BMW for some time, ensuring that the electric M3 will distinguish itself from the more conventional 3 Series EV variant, which is likely to offer either single or dual-motor configurations. Frank Weber, BMW’s development chief, hinted at the exciting possibility of branding this electrified M3 as the BMW ‘iM3,’ a name linked to a recent trademark registration. According to Weber, we might expect the unveiling to align closely with the Neue Klasse product line’s introduction in 2027. And the suspense doesn't end there—rumors suggest that an all-electric M3 Touring estate may also be on the horizon.
For those who treasure the thrill of combustion engines, there's no need for dismay! The legacy of the petrol-powered M3 is set to persist. Reports indicate that a new version of the M3 will exist alongside its electric sibling. Weber disclosed that BMW has cleverly updated the existing 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine to meet stringent Euro 7 emissions regulations. This means that the petrol-powered M3 is likely to have a substantial overlap with the launch of the all-electric model in 2027. At the reveal of the sleek new 5 Series and the innovative i5 electric saloon, Weber casually pondered the potential for a flagship model once the Neue Klasse saloon debuts in 2025. “The next M3 will be fully battery electric—and will have ‘the heart of joy’,” he declared, referring to groundbreaking new ECU technology designed for four independent electric motors, boasting a phenomenal output nearing 1,000 hp. With this revolutionary ECU, BMW aims to harmonize stability control, powertrain functions, and chassis dynamics into a unified system, taking a monumental leap forward in its ambitious Neue Klasse initiative.
Frank van Meel, at the helm of the M division, voiced the transformative potential of this innovative platform, asserting it would unlock new dynamic capabilities quintessential to the future of BMW performance. “We call it ‘hand of god,’ reminiscent of the extraordinary M xDrive system in the M5,” he explained, referencing the necessary sophistication involved in managing four electric motors. It's about more than just unadulterated acceleration; it’s about delivering a complete, immersive driving experience that is set to exhilarate. “You want your vehicle to decelerate at 1G or more while simultaneously recuperating energy and maintaining stability,” van Meel articulated.
And the technological breakthroughs don't cease at sheer output. Van Meel emphasized that future M models will prioritize actively engaging the driver. When asked about simulating gear changes to enhance the driving experience, he elaborated, “If you’re confined to one gear without any feedback, you miss the connection. Our aim is to enhance driver engagement with new acoustic and haptic feedback systems.” It’s clear that BMW is fully embracing the evolution of the electric driving experience with the iM3, positioning itself in an intensely competitive market alongside rivals like the Tesla Model 3 Performance, an electric Alfa Romeo Giulia, and the next-generation Mercedes CLA AMG. As the electric performance saloon segment becomes increasingly populates, auto aficionados have a thrilling lineup to look forward to in the coming years.