Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Two M3s, One BuyerThe next-gen BMW M3 going electric isn't up for debate anymore. The real question is, which flavor will buyers actually pick? BMW has already spilled the beans: the legendary sports sedan will come as a classic six-cylinder gas-burner or as a full-blown EV riding on the Neue Klasse platform. Both were recently caught tearing up the Nürburgring side by side, just to make things more interesting.With both versions set to hit showrooms at about the same time, it's fair to wonder: will one outperform the other? BMW M boss Frank van Meel isn't shy about picking a side.BMWBMW Thinks the EV Has the AdvantageChatting with Autocar at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, van Meel admitted BMW is basically going head-to-head with itself this time.AdvertisementAdvertisement"Now we are fighting against ourselves, because with the all-electric M3 we are attacking our best-selling product," he said.Forget chasing silly horsepower numbers. BMW says the electric M3 is all about handling. Van Meel claims those four electric motors aren't just for flexing big power – they're there to control each wheel on its own, dialing up agility and grip.BMW's new control system, called the Heart of Joy, is set to juggle torque between all four wheels, clamp down on individual brakes when needed, and keep the car balanced in corners like no regular drivetrain can. Van Meel thinks this is where the electric M3 will really pull ahead."There might be customers who say they want to have a combustion engine because they like the sound... or cannot charge at home. But if you're into racing or driving dynamics, you might say the electric one is the best M3," he said.BMWNo Fake Engine Sound, But There Will Be Fake GearsBMW hasn't forgotten about the emotional side of driving, either. The electric M3 will get fake gear shifts – yes, just like a Hyundai – to make acceleration feel more natural, especially when you're pushing hard or hitting the track. Van Meel says familiar gear ratios help drivers judge speed and braking without having to stare at the speedo.AdvertisementAdvertisementOne thing BMW won't copy is the sound of its classic M cars. Van Meel revealed that engineers experimented with audio based on the E30's four-cylinder, the high-revving V8 from earlier M3s, and even the V10 from the M5. None felt convincing once transplanted into an electric car, according to van Meel.Instead, BMW is cooking up a brand-new soundtrack inspired by the electric motors themselves. The goal? Skip the sci-fi noises and give drivers something that still feels connected to the car.BMWView the 6 images of this gallery on the original articleThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Jul 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.