BMW M3 EV to underpin the Neue Klasse Platform; will arrive in 2027

ABU DHABI: According to a report by Autocar, BMW is working to develop a fully electric M3 model based on the innovative Neue Klasse platform. The Vision Neue Klasse Concept was previewed at the Munich motor show and gave a near-production glimpse of the next-generation 3-Series. There are high chance that the upcoming M3 will draw inspiration from this concept. The electric M3 will be BMW's introduction to the first full-fledged M model that will be fully electric.

The next BMW M3 could create history by offering the electric power option but there's also a possibility that a turbocharged petrol engine will be introduced alongside it. Despite the buzz surrounding the introduction of BMW’s first electric M3, the company will continue offering the gas-powered version for a longer time.

"The next M3 will be battery-electric, full battery-electric," said BMW development board member Frank Weber. However, we explained that "there will be a coexistence" with the current internal combustion engine (ICE) M3 for a period, "which is necessary." This is because the S58 3.0-litre inline-six engine used in the current G80 M3 is scheduled to remain in production beyond 2030.

Weber also revealed that the electric M3 will have BMW's 'Heart of Joy' control unit that was showcased during the Vision Neue Klasse presentation. BMW's 'Heart of Joy' control unit has been designed to support powertrains having up to four electric motors and can deliver up to 1 MW (1360 PS or 1,341 hp) of total power.

The next-generation BMW M3 is expected to arrive in 2027. This timeline aligns with BMW's tradition of introducing new variants of the M3 sedan and the M4 coupe simultaneously. The current-generation M4 coupe is slated for production until June 2027. 

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