The highly anticipated new BMW M3 is on its way, and for the first time, it will be available as an electric vehicle.
The New BMW M3’s Design
While the BMW VDX provides hints at the M3’s design direction, it remains a concept that won’t enter production in its current form.
Front View: The M3’s front fascia has undergone a complete transformation. The oversized vertical kidney grilles are gone, replaced by sleeker, wider kidney grilles inspired by the Neue Klasse concept.
Rear View: Staying true to the M3’s aggressive styling, the model features flared wheel arches that enhance both aesthetics and functionality, accommodating wider tires essential for high-performance driving. A broad stance, an aggressive lower diffuser, and a ducktail spoiler at the rear further distinguish it as an M3.
Electric Variant: The rendered model depicts the petrol-powered M3, complete with four substantial exhaust tips. In contrast, the EV version will forego exhaust pipes entirely and sport a sealed-off front grille to optimize aerodynamics.
The Petrol-Powered BMW M3
Although the new M3 will introduce an electric variant, BMW isn’t abandoning its combustion engine heritage just yet. BMW M division’s head, Frank Van Meel, has confirmed that the upcoming M3 will be offered with both petrol and electric powertrains, built on separate platforms.
The term “platform” refers to the structural foundation of a car. The petrol M3 will be an evolution of the current model’s architecture, while the EV will be developed on an entirely new framework.
BMW has no plans to follow AMG’s approach of downsizing to a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid system, nor will it adopt the complex hybrid setup found in the latest M5. Instead, the next M3 will continue to use the familiar 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six engine, albeit with adjustments to improve emissions compliance with EU regulations.
A mild-hybrid system similar to the one found in the BMW M340i may be introduced, providing a modest 11hp boost while enhancing efficiency. Currently, the most powerful M3 variant available is the M3 CS, which delivers 550hp. With hybrid assistance and further mechanical refinements, the next-generation model could approach the 600hp mark.
The Electric BMW M3: Motors & Performance
BMW has been teasing an electric M3 for some time. Several years ago, the brand unveiled a concept based on the i4, featuring four electric motors. This served as a testing platform for future high-performance EVs, delivering an extraordinary 1,300hp. BMW has since integrated this system into another concept vehicle.
The BMW Vision Driving Experience (VDX)
Dubbed the Vision Driving Experience (VDX), this concept showcases cutting-edge technology designed to make the electric M3 as thrilling as its petrol counterpart.
Notably, the VDX features four built-in fans that generate over 1,200kg of downforce, akin to the McMurtry Spéirling hypercar. This innovation reportedly enables the VDX to achieve a 0-60mph time of around 1.8 seconds—outpacing even the Tesla Model S Plaid.
However, it’s important to note that the VDX is a test vehicle, meaning not all of its features will make it to the production version of the electric M3. While the power output is likely to be scaled back to around 700hp, the four-motor configuration will be retained
When Will the New BMW M3 Be Available?
The wait for the new M3 will continue for a few more years. The next-generation BMW 3 Series is anticipated to debut in late 2025, with sales commencing in 2026. As a result, the M3 isn’t expected to arrive until around 2027. In the meantime, the petrol-powered straight-six variant will continue to be a staple in BMW’s performance lineup.
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