Almost seven months ago, BMW revealed the all-new i3 as an electric alternative to the 3 Series, and a week ago, the combustion version of the 2027 3 Series was also presented. Not long after, BMW's M Division celebrated producing its millionth vehicle, and in the YouTube video announcing the milestone (embedded at the bottom of this article), the automaker also gave a good look at the production version of the first-ever all-electric M3. The tricolor camouflage and the vehicle's front plate reiterate that, despite other (non-M) electric BMWs wearing the 'i' prefix, this will bear the M3 badge, not iM3, as a trademark filing seemed to suggest. What else can we tell?Electric M3 Is a Toned-Down M Vision Neue Klasse ConceptBMWBack in June, BMW revealed the M Vision Neue Klasse concept, and it didn't try to hide that this wild creation would directly influence the production M3 EV. Like the concept, the camouflaged prototype in these images has a large, low-set, rectangular diffuser split in the middle by a partition that, unlike the concept, has a single rectangular reverse light. This trimaran-inspired triple-element design fits with the valley that BMW has added to the middle of its trunk lids and hoods, where the BMW roundel is placed. On the electric M3, this draws the eye to a notched trunk lid spoiler that is taller than the one on the new M350 and i3 M60. It's unclear if the taillights are any different (they may be tinted slightly darker), but we do see the concept's two stacked square red lights on either side of the diffuser. BMW calls these Track Lights.BMWThe term also applies to the square white LEDs on the front end. Here, the M Vision Neue Klasse concept's trimaran design of the diffuser is recreated for the substantial splitter and air dams, the latter of which appear to have rectangular openings with flaps behind them. Presumably, these will adjust based on aerodynamic and thermal requirements. In the headlights, M Yellow Lights, which are optional on the base 3 Series, will likely be standard. Hopefully, customers will be able to configure the coloring if they prefer plain white. Other design highlights include more muscular fenders; a vented channel in the hood, indicating that the frunk will be even less useful than on the i3, if not deleted altogether; multi-spoke wheels that also appear concept-derived; and M-style mirrors with tricolor detailing.Hybrid and Electric M3s Are Coming Soon-ishBMWWe know the electric M3 will have a quad-motor 800-volt setup capable of approximately 800 to 900 horsepower. The powertrain is capable of over 1,341 hp, or one megawatt, but that kind of potency will be saved for future derivatives and/or other products (potentially including an electric M5?). The biggest challenge, however, will be weight. And while the i3 and the gas 3 Series both come standard with panoramic glass roof panels, the fact that this camouflaged pre-production vehicle has its roof wrapped gives us hope that, if not a carbon fiber roof, a plant composite roof may help reduce the center of gravity. Whatever the truth, the fact that BMW is willing to give us a closer look at the M3 EV means a reveal can't be far away, albeit likely for the 2028 model year so the G80 can go out with dignity. And don't worry, a gas M3 with mild-hybrid assistance, pre-chamber ignition, and other performance and efficiency improvements is coming too.
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