BMW Confirms Next Gen M3 To Feature 1000kW Electric Option

Rumors of an electric BMW M3 have swirled for months, and now, BMW AG Board of Management's Frank Weber has solidified its arrival.

By JBENS — 14/09/2023

This announcement may mean the potential end of the ‘oversized’ grille, unless BMW opts to retain it solely for aesthetic purposes.

In addition to the electric variant, BMW will unveil a combustion engine-powered version. This iteration will draw inspiration from the current 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged S58 unit, with a focus on ensuring compliance with the Euro 7 standard.

The forthcoming BMW 3 Series is poised to adopt the company's cutting-edge Neue Klasse architecture, previewed by the Vision Neue Klasse concept earlier this September. This platform, set to debut in 2025, has been meticulously designed to accommodate four electric motors, each dedicated to a specific wheel.

Furthermore, the electric system will reportedly allocate power distribution between the axles, potentially transforming the all-wheel drive electric vehicle into a rear-wheel drive configuration with the press of a button. While specific power figures remain under wraps, the EV must outperform its internal combustion engine counterpart to truly captivate. BMW's M division leaders allude to a ‘one-megawatt’ sedan, equating to a staggering 1341-horsepower.

Weber acknowledges that some customers may have reservations about the acoustics of a 1000kW electric vehicle, but he emphasises the exceptional power delivery and handling dynamics.

The current generation BMW M3 boasts a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, churning out 473-horsepower, and can shoot from 0-100km/h in just 4.2 seconds. The Competition variant elevates this further to 503-horsepower and runs from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds. The CSL version takes performance up a notch further again with an impressive 553-horsepower.

These figures echo those of the M4 lineup. Presently, the i4 M50 stands as the highest-selling M model, though it may transition to the Neue Klasse architecture or face discontinuation before June 2028. A similar fate likely awaits the ICE-powered M cars.

BMW M CEO Frank van Meal revealed plans to outperform ICE sales with battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2028. The recently unveiled plug-in hybrid XM marks the initial foray into electrified M models, while the X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition embrace mild hybrid technology, and the M5 sedan and Touring embrace plug-in hybrid powertrains.

The real question is, will an ICE-powered BMW M3 really deliver what a driver wants? Many argue the E46 was the last true M3, with its raspy six-cylinder engine and driver focused chassis. Time will tell…

JBENS

Front and centre or behind the scenes, JBens has near on 20 years of experience in media related to all things automotive. With a growing collection of Commodores, (he has no idea how many he actually owns), including a couple of cracking '80s projects, the GMH love runs deep. JBens' passion for cars extends further than the good old Aussie Holden though. As former editor of Hot4s Magazine, he's just as likely to get excited about a classic rotor or SR-powered Datsun as he is a blown VK. Typically spotted in his trademark sunnies, flanno and hat, he’s difficult to miss. Just listen for the cries of “Maad!” and tag along for the inevitable chaos that follows.

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