The roar of a straight-six or the silent, instant surge of electric power? BMW M is about to offer enthusiasts an unprecedented choice. Come 2027, the legendary M3 badge will grace both a potent new-generation internal combustion engine (ICE) model and an electrifying, all-new electric vehicle (EV) version. What's truly remarkable is BMW's commitment to price parity: the 1000-horsepower M3 EV is slated to be "in the same ballpark" as its gasoline-powered counterpart.
This groundbreaking electric M3, whose official moniker is still under wraps, will leverage the cutting-edge Neue Klasse architecture, first seen in the recently unveiled i3. Engineered for extreme performance, it's set to feature an advanced quad-motor setup, sending power independently to each wheel. This innovative drivetrain promises a colossal output approaching 1000 horsepower, a figure that's already generating immense buzz as prototypes have been spied undergoing rigorous testing.
But fear not, petrolheads. The beloved ICE M3 is far from retirement. A renewed generation will continue to utilize the current 3 Series' CLAR platform, receiving a significant styling overhaul inspired by BMW's futuristic Neue Klasse design language. This parallel development underscores BMW's strategy to cater to every segment of its high-performance clientele.
Sylvia Neubauer, BMW M’s sales boss, recently emphasized to Autocar that the division's first production EV will unequivocally "stay true to BMW M DNA." She elaborated, "It’s not only about acceleration and power, it’s about drivability, maneuverability and that level of trust and connection between the driver, car and road. With a high-performance BEV, you need to be able to trust it every millisecond, and the car is so convincing.” Her statements aim to reassure purists that the electric M3 will embody the visceral driving experience synonymous with the M badge.
To bridge the gap with skeptical existing BMW M owners, Neubauer confidently stated, “We need to get you into the cars.” BMW is planning a series of exclusive drive tours, allowing M enthusiasts to personally experience the EV's capabilities. While acknowledging that they won't convert "100% out of the petrolhead target group," she believes that "out of 100 people that try it, we will be able to convince some. And for everybody else, we will still provide combustion engines.” This pragmatic approach ensures loyal customers retain their preferred powertrain option.
View Price on AmazonNeubauer also dismissed concerns about the M3 EV's introduction amidst a fluctuating EV market, highlighting BMW's robust production flexibility to adapt to demand. Her continued emphasis on the pricing strategy – “The good news is that from a pricing perspective, they are in the same ballpark” – reinforces the idea of choice without financial penalty for opting electric.
This dual offering is all about giving customers "the choice," Neubauer stressed. While there will be "functional differences that lead to a different design in some areas of the car," she insists that "when you look at them, you will see that they are twins.” The M division isn't looking to target disparate buyers; instead, they acknowledge a broader "high-performance target group" that includes both "progressive all-electric mindsets" and "diehard petrolheads."
Ultimately, the message is clear: "But it's always a BMW M. When we talk about the BMW M3, it’s the M3 no matter the drivetrain. The driving experience must be true, and you decide if you want EV or ICE.” This philosophy ensures that regardless of what powers it, the M3 will deliver the exhilarating performance and engaging dynamics that have defined it for decades. The future of BMW M is about choice, performance, and maintaining the core M driving experience, whether it's fueled by gasoline or electrons.
Source: autocar.co.uk
