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Photo: Instagram | Kelsonik
BMW has several all-new models in the making as we speak, and the M Division is directly involved in the development of some of them, like the duo of M3s that are now being tested in different environment all around the world.
Unless you’ve been living completely cut off from the automotive world these past few months, then you know that we are not simply talking about the base M3 and the M3 Competition. That’s because two models are none other than the successor to the current G8X (G80 Sedan / G81 Touring), and the first-ever M3 Electric. Yes, whether you like it or not, BMW is developing a zero-emission alternative to the gas-powered M3 for the first time ever, and both models will venture into the Neue Klasse territory.
So, does this mean that they are exactly the same beneath the different-looking skin? That would be a no. You see, while the traditional M3’s successor will be underpinned by an updated version of the CLAR platform, shared with the larger 5 Series, M5, X3, X4, Z4, 4 Series, M4, 2 Series (Coupe), M2, and Toyota GR Supra, among others, the M3 Electric will sit on the Neue Klasse construction. Thus, it will share its nuts and bolts with models such as the latest iX3 crossover, and the new-gen i3 (Sedan and upcoming Touring).
Thus, you may want to think of the BMW M3 Electric as being the range-topping version of the latest i3 Sedan. The model was actually previewed by the M Concept Neue Klasse a little over a year ago, and the latest scoops have revealed that it will retain some of its visual characteristics. But what does it look like beneath the camouflage? Well, quite similar (if not identical) to the one rendered by @kelsonik and shared on social media recently.
Photo: Instagram | Kelsonik
The pixel master’s creation features a familiar front fascia, with a V-shaped nose, a vented hood, and a pair of lights on each side of the bumper. The model also has a large air intake in the middle, split in half by the horizontal slat. The integrated apron looks quite sharp, and goes with the sporty-looking side skirts, and the diffuser at the rear. The rear bumper has a shape similar to the front one, and it also features reflectors on each side.
The taillights carry over from the BMW i3 Sedan, tough the M3 Electric manages to set itself apart furthermore by featuring an integrated ducktail spoiler. The car also sits closer to the ground courtesy of the revised suspension setup, so it should corner faster than its non-M sibling. The black roof could be a carbon fiber panel, and if that’s the case, then this feature would lower the center of gravity, thus enabling faster turns at the racetrack. The door mirrors are also different, and so are the wheels, with their large diameter.
If you look closely behind the new alloys, then you will see the uprated brakes. These will keep the extra oomph in check. The output of this model has yet to be announced, though some say that it will be around 700 metric horsepower (619 bhp/515 kW). Others say that close to 1,000 metric horsepower (986 bhp/736 kW) is the number to look for, though we lean on the former rather than the latter. After all, the Mercedes-AMG C-Class Electric is expected to benefit from around 800 metric horsepower (789 bhp/588 kW) combined.
Photo: Instagram | Kelsonik
The BMW M3 Electric will use a quad-motor setup, and will benefit from the 800-volt electrical system. And despite what was initially believed, it won’t be named the iM3 nor the i3 M, as it will simply be known as the Electric M3 or the M3 EV. That’s because the M Division wants its customers to know that this model is a “real” M3, despite the zero-emission credentials. And it needs to be very darn good in order to be worthy of this moniker, because we all know that M3s are pure fun machines on wheels.
On the inside, it will feature the same familiar setup as the iX3 and i3 Sedan, and not only, consisting of the pillar-to-pillar display at the bottom of the windshield, and the same infotainment system. However, the screens will likely feature dedicated load menus and sub-menus. The steering wheel should be new, just like the front seats that will feature integrated headrests and extra side bolstering, and the treadplates, upholstery, and a few other things should be exclusive to this model.
Rumor has it that the BMW M3 EV will be officially unveiled sometime next year (2027), and that’s plenty of thing to learn more juicy details about it. By the way, that is also when the ICE-powered M3 (we never thought we’d use these words next to each other) is understood to premiere. Do you like the Electric M3 as it was realistically imagined by the quoted rendering master?