It’s no longer a secret that the next-generation BMW M3 will also be available as an electric vehicle (EV). While BMW made it clear that the gas-powered sports sedan will soldier on as long as BMW is allowed to build it, it also plans on incorporating electric propulsion into its iconic line of M performance sedans and coupes.
The M3 could be the first car to inherit this technology under the carmaker’s next-generation Neue Klasse platform. It will also most likely be the first EV in BMW history to incorporate a new type of quad-motor setup for optimum acceleration, grip and handling. As a matter of fact, BMW is currently testing the system on snow and ice in Sweden and our spy shooter just grabbed photos of a rolling prototype in action. Check it out below.
The BMW M3 EV Has Bulging Fenders And A Mean Stance
BMW still hasn’t released any technical specifications for the upcoming electric M3, but there have been talks that this quad-motor setup could bring the output past the 1,000 horsepower mark. However, it’s also generally assumed that BMW won’t unwind all of that power in the smaller, more agile M3, but rather keep it for its larger, grand-tourer type models like the M5 or even a future, all-electric M8. In the M3’s case, we could expect anywhere between 500 and 600 horsepower, which isn’t that far apart from the existing, 503-horsepower M3 Competition.
Judging from these spy photos, it appears BMW is staying true to the M3’s original concept of offering a compact sports sedan packing a lot of performance. The proportions actually look rather great, with a stubby rear end and a muscular hood sitting over what appears to be an aggressive front fascia. There also appear to be some rather large front air intakes, which is unusual for an EV. Those will most likely act as a way to cool down the brakes and improve the car’s downforce at high speeds. Of course, the iconic bulging wheel arches are a symbolic M3 trait. I mean, even under camouflage, this electric M3 looks pretty cool.
An 800-Volt Architecture Will Ensure Fast Charging Speeds
Another important characteristic of the Neue Klasse platform will be its 800-volt architecture which should allow the M3 EV to fast-charge at speeds exceeding 250 kW, or what most Teslas and Hyundais currently do. So, what this will basically translate into is an electric M car that will spend less time at the charger and more time on the road, or on the track, making it that much more appealing for hardcore M fans not yet convinced about EVs.
It’s definitely an intriguing model, and it’ll be interesting to see how BMW will play this one out. We’re about to enter a whole new era of M cars and BMW seems poised to deliver on its performance promises with this one. After all, the German carmaker is crushing its EV sales in the U.S. right now, and its best-selling M car last year was an EV. So it only makes sense to see BMW wanting to move further in that direction. We’ll keep watching the M3 EV’s development closely and will report back here once we know more.
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