BMW’s Electric M3 Gets Loose With a 1,548-HP Chinese EV in PursuitAutoblogSebastian CenizoSat, September 19, 2026 at 9:46 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleAutoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.We're getting more and more spy shots sent to our inbox as automakers take to the Nürburgring to put their upcoming creations to the test, and after our spies spotted the first-ever hybrid M3 at the Nürburgring earlier in the week, they've now caught the all-electric version on the Nordschleife. With near-production bodywork, there are some new details we've noticed, but the highlight of this sighting is the four-wheel drift performed by the electric M3's development driver as they tried to get away from a 1,548-horsepower Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, another high-performance electric sedan. While the electric M3 will be far frm underpowered, it won't reach the heights of the Chinese alternative, but BMW expects to remain on top in the handling department.BMW M3 EV Spied on the Nürburgring with Subtle UpdatesAutoblog/SH ProshotsView the 4 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementLike its combusion-powered sibling, the electric M3 draws design inspiration directly from the M Vision Neue Klasse concept, revealed in June. The familial relation is clear in the swollen arches, the shapes of the headlights and taillights, and the subtly notched trunk lid spoiler. We can also see a slight recess in the roof, mimicking the double-bubble aesthetic of slippery racecars, and the wing mirrors are tone-down versions of those seen on the concept. However, one thing this prototype has that neither the concept nor previously spotted prototypes have is a small M badge halfway down the front doors, hiding beneath the vinyl camouflage wrap. This indicates that, at least for the electric M3, BMW won't be fitting fake fender vents behind the front wheel arches.Autoblog/SH ProshotsAlso evident are flush-fitting door handles, swollen arches, chunky side skirts, and rectangular elements in both the lower front fascia and the rear diffuser panel. As an EV, the electric M3 doesn't need as much cooling as the gas version, so the mask-like area between the front headlights, while still shaped like the kidney grille intakes on combustion Bimmers, is blanked off. Expect BMW's so-called "Iconic Glow" illumination to delineate this area and give the high-performance sedan a distinctive nighttime lighting signature, while a newly introduced vent in the 'valley' between the two hood bulges will further enhance the sense of performance. Finally, carbon fiber is expected to be replaced by natural fiber composites.Big Power for BMW's Electric M3Autoblog/SH ProshotsView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleAccording to leaks from a reliable insider, the electric BMW M3's rear motor setup alone could produce a monstrous 751 hp, while the front is said to be rated at 644 hp. Torque figures will also be monumental, with the rear axle reportedly making 752 lb-ft and the front producing 398 lb-ft. A combined figure is yet to come to light, but it seems that the electric M3 will easily surpass 1,000 hp. We'll learn more as the year draws to a close, but a reveal is only likely to take place early in 2027, potentially with the electric M3 arriving for the 2028 model year. By then, the current G80 M3 will have ended production.Autoblog/SH ProshotsView the 9 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Sep 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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