The precise path of BMW’s future M vehicles, particularly the M3 sedan, appears unsure given the mismatch between the model’s conventional values and the compromises that should be made within the identify of electrification. Very like Porsche, BMW desires to stay to its combustion engines in its devoted efficiency fashions, however on the similar time, it must discover a solution to maintain the lawmakers (who’re pushing for EV-only gross sales by the center of the subsequent decade) blissful.

Mercedes C63 Factors the Method with Plug-In Energy

If we take a look at BMW’s conventional rival Mercedes-Benz and the newest AMG C63 (the M3’s conventional rival), the longer term appears to be all about big-power plug-in hybrids that mix downsized gasoline energy with loads of electrical punch—the C63 has a four-cylinder turbo, which along with an electrical motor makes 671 horsepower. BMW has not shied away from making a plug-in hybrid M automotive with the launch of the XM, whose powertrain is anticipated to additionally energy the subsequent M5.

All this could strongly recommend {that a} related change of method awaits the M3 nameplate. Nevertheless, it’s been speculated that BMW is definitely engaged on two completely different flavors of its bread-and-butter efficiency sedan: one will likely be a full EV, whereas the opposite will likely be an evolution of the present mannequin that may maintain its S58 straight-six that received’t characteristic electrification. This has not been confirmed but, however it’s an strategy that is smart as it will enable BMW to maintain each the purists and the lawmakers blissful on the similar time. What we all know for sure is that BMW received’t name the electrical M3 equal the iM3, which we all know after BMW M boss Frank van Meel mentioned the M division doesn’t plan to ever use a mix of “i” and “M” in a manufacturing automotive.

Two Tracks for the M3: EV Evolution and ICE Innovation

The electrical M3 will put on an M badge, after all, however its nameplate received’t indicate that it’s an EV. To us, this makes it sound as if BMW M has religion that the M3 EV equal will likely be thrilling sufficient to match its ICE choices. We all know that BMW M has been testing quad-motor EV prototypes, and that will surely be an attractive prospect for an electrical efficiency automotive, and it may even have outstanding dealing with traits.

For reference as to what the electrical M3’s dealing with may very well be like, we will take a look at the limited-series 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electrical Drive. It had a 750-horsepower quad-motor setup, and it left reviewers of the time in awe with its outstanding dealing with and agility achieved by having the ability to exactly management the facility supply to every wheel. Now think about the mixture of over a decade of EV tech progress and BMW M’s experience on the subject of making enjoyable, sporty vehicles, and the electrical M3 turns into one of the crucial hotly anticipated future EVs.

Electrifying Choices: Quad-Motor Mania or Nimble RWD Rear-Wheel Drive?

Stories recommend that the electrical M3 may have over 700 horsepower from its quad-motor setup; doubtlessly much more for particular fashions. BMW can also be believed to be wanting into making dual-motor, rear-wheel drive electrical M vehicles. This may make plenty of sense for a similar explanation why a quad-motor mannequin would: it will allow BMW to dial within the dealing with and make the automotive exceptionally controllable.

As interesting as a 1,000+ horsepower quad-motor electrical M automotive can be, a lighter, extra nimble dual-motor rear-wheel drive mannequin would nonetheless be the decide of the fanatic. And if the identical fanatic simply doesn’t need to swap to electrical, the next-gen gas-burning M3 will nonetheless be an possibility.

If BMW does give a brand new ICE M3 (G84) the inexperienced gentle, it’s going to arrive after the yr 2026, when the Bavarians are anticipated to introduce a brand new 3 Collection codenamed G50. The following-gen 3 Collection will likely be a extra conventional and conservative mannequin that’s anticipated to maintain promoting effectively even after the tip of the last decade, whereas the electrical equal, primarily based on the Neue Klasse platform, will likely be a much more futuristic proposition that breaks with custom.

Hints and Hopes: Unveiling BMW’s M3 Roadmap

We must wait and see what hints BMW drops to disclose its plans, however to us, it will make sense to have two parallel iterations of the M3 for various individuals. It’s not unusual within the business to have two completely different fashions that occupy the identical market section, one providing ICE and the opposite pure electrical energy (Mercedes-Benz has two utterly separate lineups of fashions), so there’s a powerful probability that’s what we’ll see at BMW as we strategy the tip of the last decade.

This situation is actually extra thrilling than simply having one taste of M3 for the reason that electrical mannequin will have the ability to do issues the gas-burning automotive simply received’t have the ability to match. The EV will characteristic BMW’s sixth-generation battery expertise, which is able to lead to smaller and lighter battery packs that may maintain general car weight down and never have an effect on the dealing with as a lot as in lots of present EVs.