BMW is making notable advancements in electric mobility, shifting gears from its traditional performance-driven ethos to a future that embraces electric power—an evolution that will soon include specialized M models from its esteemed M performance division.
The arrival of the i4 M50, i5 M60, iX M60, and i7 M70 M has already indicated that BMW is ready to embrace electric performance alongside its gasoline counterparts. Enthusiasts can now get excited, as the brand is gearing up to introduce its first dedicated electric M model—the highly anticipated electric M3. Current development prototypes have been spotted on the road, offering a glimpse of what true electrified performance could look like.
For those who remain passionate about the roar of a gasoline engine, you’ll be relieved to know that BMW plans to keep that legacy alive. Scheduled for a launch around 2027, and likely debuting as a 2028 model in the U.S., the next M3 will come with both gas and electric options. BMW M CEO Frank van Meel mentioned last October that the new M3 will cater to both camps, ensuring that fans of that classic M driving experience won’t be left in the dust.
Expect the gasoline version to carry over the impressive twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine we’ve come to love, refined using an updated version of the existing CLAR platform shared with the forthcoming gasoline-powered 3-Series. But don’t overlook the electric variant; it’s set to ride on the innovative Neue Klasse dedicated EV platform, which will also underlie the forthcoming electric 3-Series—likely identified as the i3—slated for a 2026 debut. The first wave of Neue Klasse EVs will arrive later this year, starting with a compact crossover that is anticipated to be branded as the iX3.
BMW M isn’t just making small changes; they are promising cutting-edge performance features as part of this electric shift. The plans include a powerful quad-motor setup, boasting two motors on each axle, which, in some configurations, can crank out an astonishing 1,340 hp. However, for the electric M3, expect the output to be dialed back to around 700 hp. This focused power will allow each wheel to be independently controlled, providing dynamic torque distribution for unparalleled traction and stability—perfect for a variety of driving conditions, whether you’re hitting a slick road or tackling sharp corners.
Moreover, BMW M aims to fine-tune your driving experience even further. Van Meel hinted at the incorporation of a feature similar to Hyundai’s simulated gear shifts, enhancing how acceleration is felt by the driver. This approach creates a more immersive driving sensation without demanding that you take your eyes off the road, something that could be particularly beneficial on a racetrack.
In terms of tech, the forthcoming M3 will feature a modernized user interface, a sneak peek of which we can expect to see in other Neue Klasse models. Gone are the days of conventional gauge clusters. Instead, critical information will be projected in a head-up display across the bottom of the windshield, while a large touchscreen in the center of the dashboard will house additional details for easy access.
While the M3 is set to offer both gasoline and electric powertrains, it’s worth noting that this may not be the case for all future M models. Industry rumors suggest that the next-generation 4-Series and the future M4 could be offered exclusively as electric vehicles, hinting at a broader commitment to sustainability.
In essence, BMW’s transition into electric mobility does not mean the end of an era for performance enthusiasts. The next chapter holds promise, as the brand works to balance its legendary performance heritage with the innovative capabilities of electric technology, leading to a future of driving satisfaction that aims to be thrilling in every way. So buckle up—BMW’s exciting electric journey is just getting started, and it seems there’s a lot more in store for M fans.
