All-Electric BMW M3 seen undergoing tests on public roads, set to include a Quad-Motor Configuration

BMW is extensively working on their all-electric next generation M3 and recently it was spotted testing on public roads and will be soon introduced in a production version. The German Brand is developing their upcoming lineup of Neue Klasse 3-series models, where the sporty M3 will be powered with multiple powertrains such as ICE and electric variants. 

The electric version of the M3 will be redefined as iM3. BMW has codenamed it as ‘ZA0’, and is expected to be selling at the global markets in 2027, featuring as a MY28 model. Let's investigate the projected design modifications and functionalities of the iM3.

BMW M3 Electric Updated Design

Visually, The M3 electric will feature several design updates such as a low beltline with LED headlamps that combines seamlessly with the signature kidney grille attached to the front of the car. The sporty sedan will also feature 20-inch wide alloy wheels for superior grip and handling with prominent wheel arches. 

There are subtle differences with the fenders as earlier they were hidden in M-colour pattern, but now they will increase the width of the M3 by 70 mm as compared to the current selling 330i model. Thus when the wider proportions seamlessly blend with low suspension, the looks of the M3 are enhanced with a wider and aggressive look. 

FEATURES: A brief look at the test car’s interiors reveal various modern features equipped with the M3 electric such as the dashboard now features a wide, and a big central touchscreen display, but won’t feature the gauge cluster present in the earlier generations. 

The main reason behind the removal of the gauge cluster is that the next generation cars under Neue Klasse lineup will now feature an advanced Panoramic iDrive System, which the BMW displayed earlier at CES 2025. 

The new system will get a centrally attached tablet as well as pillar-to-pillar heads-up display for various readouts such as instrumentation, navigation and media controls. 

BMW M3 Electric: Battery & Performance

BMW will be powering their next generation EVs with advanced powertrains which will be capable of increasing the efficiency of their electric cars by 20%. The German manufacturer will be integrating up to four electric motors on its upcoming EVs, with the M models to be branded with Quad-motor Setups. 

EXPECTED POWER: As mounting up to four motors into a battery pack, BMW is confident that their next generation cars based on Neue Klasse platform will be able to generate 1 Megawatt of power (1,341 BHP) of impressive power. 

Apart from this, the Vision Driving Experience (VDX) which was displayed earlier this year is also expected to generate 1,300 BHP of peak power with its quad-motor setup. 

Additionally, the M3 Electric is set to feature a motor for every wheel, resulting in a combined power of 700 BHP for the base model. 

However, the power will rise with the higher variants, but such massive power reaching up to four digits doesn’t make sense in the D-segment, where the M3 electric will be positioned. Now only time will tell whether BMW will give this amount of power in M3 electric!