BMW may be prepping a controversial all-electric version of its iconic M3, but it recently vowed to keep the internal combustion-powered model for as long as “regulation allows,” according to Australia’s CarExpert. Speaking with Sylvia Neubauer, BMW M’s vice president for sales, branding, and customer experience, at the Australian launch of the M5, Neubauer confirmed the new M3 will be sold in both ICE-powered and electric versions simultaneously.
Similar to other manufacturers, BMW is taking a few steps back from its all-electric initiative by keeping some of its internal combustion-powered cars around in the near future while offering electric versions for those looking to make the jump. A slow-selling EV market and changes at the regulatory levels prompted many automakers to rethink their electric vehicle plans as their returns on investments in EVs aren’t happening, leaving some in major financial pickles.
The All-Electric iM3 Is Due In 2028
The Bavarian-based automaker is in the midst of a major product strategy transition as it moves towards its Neue Klasse generation of vehicles. With the new strategy comes a lot of major changes to the brand’s lineup, including controversial overhauls of its styling, packaging, and equipment. But it’s all in a move to usher in a new era of electrified BMWs.
Despite the push, however, BMW recognizes that internal combustion power is part of what makes some of its M performance cars so great.
“We offer all-electric M Performance models in most segments that deliver the genuine M feeling without any local emissions. But, we also believe that there will be room for other driver technologies, such as hybrid or conventional drives,” Neubauer told CarExpert. “You can trust us, we are prepared for the future. I can also reassure you the all-electric M3 that I just mentioned will have a brother with a combustion engine. They will exist in parallel. So, no matter what the customer demand is, we will be able to cater for all needs in any market, as long as regulation allows.”
The electrified BMW iM3 began surfacing in the news cycle after spy photographers caught prototypes performing in winter testing. Few details are known, other than the iM3 being one of the highlight launches with BMW’s Neue Klasse platform and a supposed quad-motor electric system capable of around 746 kilowatts or 1000 mechanical horsepower.
However, details remain sparse about BMW M’s plans for the next-gen gas-powered M3. So far, we’re already expecting a next-gen G50 3 Series in the coming years, which is anticipated to arrive sometime in 2026. The gas-powered M3 will supposedly follow and arrive sometime in 2028, alongside its iM3 sibling.
BMW’s New iM3 Will Debut “Heart Of Joy” Dynamics Control System And IconicSounds Simulated Powertrain Noises
Although further details are still limited on the iM3, BMW teased some of the features in its new electric performance vehicles. One includes “Heart of Joy,” or basically BMW M’s fancy marketing term for adjustable driving modes, which alter the behavior of multiple drive systems, depending on the mode chosen. It’s basically the iM3’s version of “normal,” “sport,” and “M Mode.”
The company also appears to be taking out of Hyundai N’s playbook by engineering simulated gear shifts and powertrain noises, similar to the IONIQ 5 N, to help boost the driving experience of the iM3. The intent is to compensate for the lack of physical stepped gearing, like in a conventional automatic or manual transmission, and the lack of an exhaust and engine note from the electric powertrain.
Source: CarExpert
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