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Photo: Instagram | avarvarii
Fret not, fellow petrolhead, because you haven’t missed the unveiling of the first-ever battery-electric BMW M3. In fact, it is expected to come out sometime next year, and by then, we should know even more things about it then we do today.
After all, the rumor mill never sleeps when it comes to certain upcoming models, and this includes the upcoming M3 (ICE and EV), and combining the occasional information that hits the World Wide Web with the constant renderings, and we have a pretty clear picture of what this model will be like. Or should we say “models?” Actually, we should, because BMW’s M Division is prepping not only the successor to the current M3, aka the one featuring an internal combustion lump under the hood, but also an all-quiet alternative.
Don’t confuse “alternative” for “version,” because the two may look quite similar on the outside (and not only), but they are based on completely different architectures. You see, while the battery-electric model will use the Neue Klasse EV architecture, complete with its 800-volt electrical system, the ICE model, which will be the one to keep enthusiasts up at night (fingers crossed for that one) is understood to be based on an updated version of the current CLAR platform. Thus, the driving credentials should be something to write home about.
Photo: Instagram | avarvarii
Chances are that the BMW M3 EV will smoke the M3 ICE in a head-to-head battle, at least in a straight-line acceleration test. That’s because rumors claim that it might offer up to 1,000 metric horsepower. That’s 986 brake horsepower and 736 kilowatts. Depending on whom you ask, some will say that 700 metric horsepower, or 691 bhp / 515 kW is a more down-to-earth number, and probably the correct one. For instance, the Mercedes-AMG C-Class Electric is understood to launch with some 800 ps (789 bhp / 588 kW).
BMW’s M3 EV will use a quad-motor setup, and this is official information. The same goes for the fact that it won’t be christened the i3 M or the iM3 as it was initially believed, as it will be known as the M3 EV or the Electric M3. The reason is simple, as it is all about marketing. That’s because BMW’s M Division wants its clientele to know that it is a “real” M3. Guess we will find out in due course if that is indeed the case or nor, and we really hope that it is not too heavy for its own good. After all, all M3s have been tail-happy and quite nimble animals.
On the visual front, the Electric M3 will echo the M Concept Neue Klasse, as the numerous sightings in the open have revealed. Most of those sightings have been used by rendering artists as blank canvases to create different CGI projects, including the one pictured in the gallery above, which came to our attention courtesy of @avarvarii on Instagram. The pixel master analyzed the latest scoops and came up with a set of realistic CGIs that pretty much preview the design of the upcoming BMW M3 EV.
Photo: Instagram | avarvarii
We can clearly see the M Concept Neue Klasse influences at the front and rear, as well as the Neue Klasse design language. To be honest, it does not look that bad at all in these digital illustrations, in this writer’s eyes anyway, and this comes from someone who is not exactly a fan of the Neue Klasse styling. For the record, I do not find the aforementioned study a looker either. However, the all-quiet M3 is quite interesting to look at, to say the least, and this is definitely a compliment for BMW.
If the ICE-powered model ends up looking similar to this, then it might just attract plenty of deep-pocketed enthusiasts. However, they will have to be fond of screens, because both models will feature an interior layout similar to the ones of the latest i3 Sedan and the iX3 crossover. Yep, that also includes the pillar-to-pillar display on the bottom of the windshield, the quirky infotainment system, and so on. Everything will be sprinkled with the usual M bits and pieces, obviously, including a pair of bucket seats at the front.
It will be very interesting to learn more about the two M3 models that are based on different constructions as BMW’s M Division starts removing the camouflage from the prototypes, and releases more information online to build up the hype for their reveal. Speaking of that, the unveiling date hasn’t been announced yet, but word on the street is that the BMW M3 EV will premiere in 2027, and that is also when we expect the regular ICE model to come out of hiding officially.
Is this model the one to make you go electric? And would you really buy an electric M3 over an ICE one?