BMW’s Next M3 Will Bridge The Gap Between Present And Future
Whether you like it or not, an electric M3 is coming eventually, and it’ll have far more horsepower on tap than any combustion-powered M3 so far has offered. But like all future products, we don’t yet know the exact specifics, and some of those specifics concern the styling. Fortunately, our spy photographers have snapped a pre-production development prototype somewhere in Europe (we don’t know exactly where as the license plates are blurred according to regional privacy laws), and it seems to be drawing inspiration from multiple sources, both contemporary and future.
Styling And Tech Will Be A Blend Of New And Newer
From the front, it’s immediately evident that the electric M3 will take its styling influence from the Vision Neue Klasse concept from the 2023 Munich Motor Show, which was, in turn, inspired by the general aesthetic of the color-changing i Vision Dee concept. While those concepts certainly look futuristic, elements of their design approach are already making their way to production. Just take a look at the latest X3 to see how BMW’s design is shifting, but for more concrete evidence as it relates to the M3 sedan, check out the G90 BMW M5, which seems to be preparing to have its headlights shrouded in kidney-shaped illumination.
This M3 prototype has a very similar shape to the current M5’s rear end, and while the M3 prototype is still wearing placeholder taillight clusters, their positioning and orientation indicate that the production units will likely be very similar to those on its bigger, contemporary sibling. As some rendering artists have already suggested, the G90’s design is likely meant to smoothen the transition to Neue Klasse styling, something that Autocar reports is imminent. Inside, we can see evidence of BMW’s next-gen Panoramic iDrive infotainment system, which we got a preview of at CES 2025.
Loads Of Power So Drivers Can Escape The Haters
Don’t worry – a combustion-powered M3 will still be on offer for many years to come, but BMW wants to offer a variety of powertrain choices, and those who opt for a silent take on the iconic nameplate, we know that BMW has previously said that four motors and up to 1,341 horsepower can be features of high-performance EVs, but an M3 doesn’t need quite so much grunt and capability. Not yet, anyway. Instead, roughly 700 hp should make sense.
The electric M3 is only expected to be revealed sometime next year, and with an on-sale date closer to 2027, that gives BMW time to widen the gap between the G9X M5 and the electrified M3, expected to adopt the ZA0 chassis code in sedan form and the ZA1 code in wagon form. An electric M4 seems unlikely, but a hybrid will exist, according to reporting from BMW Blog. We’ll bring you more information (and images) as it arrives.
