The Bavarians are working on a “hot” next-generation M3 sedan, due in 2027. It is expected that the all-electric model will be released simultaneously with the internal combustion engine version.
The BMW M division, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, is responsible for the creation of “charged” models of the German brand. One of the “hot” sports cars remains the M3, created on the basis of the standard four-door 3 series. At the recent auto show in Munich, the manufacturer showed a harbinger of the next-generation “three-ruble note”, and in the future, a generation change awaits the “emka.”
In the photo: the current BMW M3 Competition sports sedan
The current generation BMW M3 debuted in the fall of 2020. The current sports car is equipped with a 3.0-liter in-line twin-turbo six, while in the basic version its output is 480 hp. (maximum torque – 550 Nm), and in the top Competition version the power is increased to 510 hp. (650 Nm). In the first case, a six-speed manual is offered as a pair, in the second – an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission. The starting current “Emka” takes 4.2 seconds to accelerate from zero to “hundreds”, while the “hottest” version takes 3.9 seconds. Drive – rear or all-wheel drive.
Last summer it became known that the next BMW M3 sports car could be fully electric. At the same time, it was reported that the BMW M division would actually decide to take this step only if the performance of such an electric vehicle turns out to be noticeably better compared to the current generation.
In the photo: interior of the current BMW M3 Competition
Now preliminary information about the “filling” of the potential next-generation BMW M3 electric sports car has become known. As the British Autocar reports, citing Frank Weber, head of the BMW development department, the M3 electric car will be based on the Neue Klasse platform, which is also the basis for the concept of the same name, which was unveiled a couple of weeks ago. It is expected that the next Emka will debut shortly after the new generation BMW 3 Series electric car; the premiere of the “charged” version is scheduled for 2027.
Pictured: Vision Neue Klasse concept
According to Frank Weber, the main feature of electric vehicles based on the Neue Klasse will be a new control unit called “Heart of Joy” (literally translated from English – “Heart of Joy”). “Everything related to ride quality, chassis control, powertrain is now in one integrated control unit,” he added.
Top managers explained that the new system is designed to manage all-electric four-motor powertrains with variable amounts of power delivered to each wheel as needed. Frank Weber did not voice the maximum total output of such a system in the “green” BMW M3, but explained that in general the total power could exceed 1340 hp.
According to the head of BMW M Frank van Meela, when working on all-electric sports cars of the Bavarian brand, the priorities will be minimizing weight, as well as maintaining dynamism.
Pictured: interior concept Vision Neue Klasse
Recall that earlier Frank van Meel said that the next BMW M3 sports car will not have alternative technology. However, according to Frank Weber, the company is not yet ready to categorically abandon the internal combustion engine. It is assumed that the petrol M3 with the current six-cylinder S58 engine will remain in service as long as it is “necessary”. Probably, a model with such “filling” will be produced after 2030.
