The first electric BMW M3 has been spied just days after the donor BMW i3 sedan was revealed by the German automaker.
Due in showrooms in 2027, the electric M3 can be seen in photos shared on the Bimmerpost forums, revealing an aggressive prow with extended kidney grille housings incorporating the headlights, as well as flared guards and a prominent bonnet scoop.
The composite bodywork design matches earlier disguised prototypes shown by BMW, with the automaker confirming a quad-motor setup sending an estimated 1000hp-plus (746kW) to all four wheels.
The current petrol-powered model, equipped with BMW’s ‘S58’ twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, produces 405kW and 650Nm in the range-topping M3 CS Touring, priced in Australia from $253,900 before on-road costs.
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The electric BMW M3 could be badged iM3, though the final name has yet to be confirmed. Pricing and equipment details are also still to be announced.
The EV flagship will be based on the recently unveiled i3 sedan, the second model in BMW’s new-generation ‘Neue Klasse’ lineup which is due here in early 2027.
It follows the iX3 electric SUV revealed at the Munich motor show last year, which is due here this year.
The M3 EV, like the i3 and iX3, is set to use a battery pack expected to exceed 100kWh, BMW’s ‘Heart of Joy’ central computing system, and the next-generation iDrive interface with artificial intelligence.
The standard i3 50 xDrive, announced earlier this month, uses a dual-motor setup producing 345kW and 645Nm, along with 800V electrical architecture enabling DC fast charging speeds of up to 400kW.
Its claimed WLTP driving range of up to 900km would exceed the Tesla Model 3 Long Range’s 750km, currently among the longest ranges offered in Australian showrooms.
BMW M has previously confirmed it will offer both electric and internal combustion versions of the next-generation M3.
Both are due in 2027, with Touring (wagon) variants also planned.
The petrol and electric M3s will sit on different platforms, representing a significant engineering undertaking as BMW navigates tightening emissions regulations and shifting global demand.
The hybrid M3 is expected to use an updated version of the current inline six-cylinder engine, which BMW has confirmed is being developed to meet upcoming Euro 7 emissions standards.
The larger BMW M5, introduced in 2024, already adopted a hybrid version of its 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, with outputs adjusted to comply with stricter regulations.
MORE: 2027 BMW i3 EV sedan revealed with up to 900km of range