BMW has been working on the electric M3 sedan for quite some time, with the first spy shots emerging in late 2024. Two years in, the German carmaker has shared new technical details on the upcoming high-performance EV, which will mark the M brand’s entry into the electric era. The upcoming BMW M3 EV will be launched in 2027 and is being developed on Neue Klasse technology.
BMW iM3: Quad-motor dynamics
The electric M3 will be BMW M’s first fully electric vehicle built from the ground up, and as such, it is expected to uphold the brand’s reputation of delivering driver-centred performance and vehicle dynamics. The sedan will be underpinned by an 800-volt Neue Klasse architecture that features a four-motor electric drivetrain, with two electric motors on each axle enabling electric all-wheel drive. This configuration will allow precise torque control at every corner, enhancing traction, stability and overall cornering dynamics.
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The four-motor setup allows the car to drive around in AWD whenever more traction is required or send power exclusively to the rear wheels. The front axle can be decoupled, allowing the rear wheels to take over when it’s time to save up some range or take the car drifting. The electric M3 will further feature drive mode presets, which can simulate gearshifts and the sounds to make the EV feel more engaging.
{{/usCountry}}The four-motor setup allows the car to drive around in AWD whenever more traction is required or send power exclusively to the rear wheels. The front axle can be decoupled, allowing the rear wheels to take over when it’s time to save up some range or take the car drifting. The electric M3 will further feature drive mode presets, which can simulate gearshifts and the sounds to make the EV feel more engaging.
{{/usCountry}}(Also read: BMW Z4 goes out with a final hurrah; Final Edition unveiled for the droptop)
BMW iM3: Centralised electronics architecture
The iM3 will introduce a centralised architecture for its electronics, controlled by four high-performance computers dubbed ‘Superbrains’. These unite computing power for the driving dynamics, automated driving, infotainment and comfort functions. All of the driving systems are managed by a dedicated Heart of Joy control unit that calibrates power output, braking and energy regen levels. BMW claims this design allows for faster data processing and swifter software updates.
(Also read: BMW to unveil 3 new EVs in India)
BMW iM3: High-voltage track-ready battery
An electric M3 will not be at home until it is taken to the track, which means that BMW has designed its battery to do just that and deliver the performance on demand. The M eDrive system will come with a Gen6 high-voltage battery, which is said to offer over 100 kWh of usable energy. The battery’s cooling system and cell chemistry have been adapted to support higher peak outputs and charging power than the regular electric 3 series sedan, and it is said to offer the highest energy recuperation levels. BMW added that the battery will be employed as a structural member of the iM3 and will add to the chassis stiffness and dynamics.
Further details on specifications and pricing have not been made public and are expected to arise closer to the market launch of the BMW M3 electric.