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<\/p>\n\n Latest prototype reveals more production bodywork as BMW prepares its first battery-powered M3 <\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/author\/chris-chilton-cc\/
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by Chris Chilton<\/a><\/p>\n 6 hours ago<\/p>\n Spy shots show prototype electric M3 with the M Concept Neue Klasse\u2019s hood vent.<\/p>\n Quad-motor powertrain could deliver over 700 hp and advanced torque vectoring.<\/p>\n BMW<\/a> will sell visually similar electric and gasoline M3 models alongside each other.<\/p>\n BMW<\/a>\u2018s electric M3 is gradually stepping out of the shadows. The naming question is already settled, with M boss Frank van Meel confirming at Goodwood that the car drops the i prefix and simply carries the M3 badge<\/a>. Now fresh spy shots from the N\u00fcrburgring show the high-performance EV wearing less camouflage than before, giving a clearer look at the production model BMW hopes will convince enthusiasts that an M car doesn\u2019t need exhausts to be exhilarating.<\/p>\n Also: BMW\u2019s New Gas M3 Loses Its Grille But Keeps Its Six, And Maybe The Clutch Too<\/a><\/p>\n The latest prototype appears heavily influenced by the recently revealed M Concept Neue Klasse<\/a>, which BMW showcased at Le Mans as a preview of its future electric performance models. While there\u2019s still some disguise covering key details, the overall shape and many of the styling cues now look very close to what buyers can expect when the car finally reaches showrooms.<\/p>\n SH Proshots<\/p>\n Compared to a regular i3 sedan, this prototype looks considerably more aggressive. The swollen wheel arches remain one of the most obvious giveaways, while the car also appears to feature a wider track, rear diffuser and trunk lid spoiler, and a hood vent that wasn\u2019t visible on previous prototypes, but did appear on the concept.<\/p>\n Under the skin, BMW is expected to fit a quad-motor powertrain with one electric<\/a> motor driving each wheel. While the company hasn\u2019t confirmed output figures, reports continue to suggest the electric M3 could produce more than 700 hp (710 PS), with up to 1,000 hp (1,014 PS) possible on hardcore models later.<\/p>\n
The real challenge, however, isn\u2019t straight-line speed. Plenty of EVs can deliver shocking acceleration. What BMW\u2019s engineers need to prove is that this car can deliver the balance, precision and adjustability that have defined generations of M3<\/a>s. That\u2019s where the four-motor setup could become a genuine advantage, allowing far more precise torque distribution than a conventional all-wheel-drive system.<\/p>\n More Power Than Its Combustion M3 Brother<\/p>\n Fortunately for traditionalists, the electric model won\u2019t replace the combustion-powered M3. BMW is expected to offer both cars simultaneously, with the gasoline version continuing to fly the flag for six-cylinder performance while the EV pushes the brand into new territory. It\u2019s unlikely that the visually similar petrol M3<\/a> will make anywhere near as much power as the electric one, though.<\/p>\n SH Proshots<\/p>\n With camouflage steadily disappearing and testing activity ramping up, it looks increasingly likely that we\u2019ll see the finished product sooner rather than later. Whether diehard M fans embrace it is another matter entirely.<\/p>\n![\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/germany\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/BMW-M3-and-M3-Jul1426888-copy-1024x576.webp\")
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