- BMW M has unveiled a prototype for a possible electrical M3
- The following M3 will supply consumers a selection between gasoline and electrical powertrains
- The electrical powertrain is anticipated to characteristic a quad-motor setup able to delivering four-digit horsepower
BMW is creating a brand new era of electrical automobiles, identified collectively because the Neue Klasse, with some fashions set to kind the idea of the primary devoted M vehicles powered solely by batteries.
One of many Neue Klasse EVs shall be an electrical model of the next-generation 3-Sequence, anticipated to debut in 2026 and doubtlessly badged because the i3. The automotive was previewed by final yr’s Imaginative and prescient Neue Klasse idea, which may even affect the design of a gasoline model of the subsequent 3-Sequence.
BMW Imaginative and prescient Neue Klasse idea
The 2 variations of the subsequent 3-Sequence will share comparable exterior and cabin designs however shall be constructed on separate platforms. The electrical model will make the most of BMW’s Neue Klasse devoted EV platform, whereas the gasoline model is anticipated to make use of an up to date model of the present 3-Sequence’ CLAR platform.
Each variations may have M3 variants, BMW M boss Frank van Meel revealed in October. BMW M has now launched a number of pictures of a camouflaged prototype believed to be the electrical M3.
Frank van Meel
The prototype options flared wheel arches and camouflage just like what BMW M used on i4-based check mules for a quad-motor electrical powertrain that has been in public testing since 2022. The powertrain is anticipated to ship peak output as excessive as 1,341 hp in some purposes.
BMW M has confirmed that every motor will energy a person wheel, enabling exact and infinitely variable torque distribution. By leveraging varied sensors and driver inputs, equivalent to steering angle and accelerator place, the system will optimize torque distribution to realize impartial, linear, and predictable dealing with, even on the restrict.
Prototype for electrical BMW M3 based mostly on Neue Klasse platform
The powertrain can be being designed with linear energy supply in thoughts, which BMW M has acknowledged is a core attribute of its automobiles. This implies BMW M’s EVs may keep away from the extreme head-jerking acceleration typically seen in different high-performance EVs. Van Meel has hinted that the electrical M3 might characteristic a system just like Hyundai’s simulated gear shifts. He has beforehand acknowledged that such a system helps drivers gauge acceleration and pace with out wanting on the devices, which might be notably helpful in excessive conditions, equivalent to on a racetrack.
No particulars have been disclosed concerning the battery being examined within the prototype. Nonetheless, BMW is creating a sixth-generation battery design for the Neue Klasse EVs, which might doubtlessly energy the electrical M3. These batteries will make the most of cylindrical cells as an alternative of the present prismatic design and, together with different enhancements, are anticipated to ship a 30% vary enhance over BMW’s present EVs.
2024 BMW M3 CS
As for the gas-powered model of the subsequent M3, it’s anticipated to retain the present mannequin’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine. Van Meel has beforehand acknowledged that this engine will adjust to future emissions laws.
Earlier than the electrical 3-Sequence arrives, BMW will launch an electrical X3 as the primary Neue Klasse EV. Probably badged because the iX3, the electrical SUV is scheduled for launch in 2025. BMW M has not but confirmed whether or not there shall be a devoted M model of the car.
