Preview by Veeno Dewan
The upcoming BMW iM3 sports sedan is a bold attempt to harness electric driving for its most iconic performance sedan-the legendary M3. While purists may bemoan this as a travesty, BMW believes the new EV version will bring new buyers to the Bavarian brand’s performance marque. Drawing styling from the BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept, the iM3 will feature unique styling, M-specific wider fenders, and aero enhancements that will set it apart from the upcoming i3 sedan.
M3 purists will not have to worry, as BMW says the iM3 EV will be sold alongside the traditional gasoline-powered i3, which should arrive in showrooms ahead of the electric iM3. However, the iM3 EV will have more horsepower than the gasoline-powered versions. The all-electric iM3 will have more power from its quad-motor setup, with a stupendous 800 horsepower and more.
Confirmed details BMW has revealed so far for the iM3 include a four-electric-motor setup that equips each wheel with its own electric motor. It could feature a 108.7 kWh battery pack, with potential output of 600-800 horsepower, eventually reaching 1,300 horsepower. However, BMW is at pains to make clear that, as always with its M Series cars, the main focus is to deliver a sporty driving experience and world-class handling rather than raw power.
There is an 800-volt architecture, and the iM3 batteries will offer 20 percent higher energy density than those in past EVs. In addition, new software is planned to improve driving range by 30 percent. The Total EV has not yet been released, but it is expected to have a base range of over 400 kilometers. The iM3 will likely use BMW’s “Heart of Joy” control unit and software, which handle the drivetrain, braking, charging, regeneration, and steering functions.
From a visual standpoint, the photos released of the heavily disguised iM3 EV, with a wide-track sports profile and substantially wide, bulging fenders, reveal distinct lighting designs and aggressive front and rear bumper designs. The front fascia appears to have sharp headlights similar to those of the new i3 sedan. There is also a deeply creased hood with a central valley, and there may be an operating frunk (Front Trunk). The regular i3, in fact, has a very small frunk. The frunk on the i3M may end up aerodynamically restyled for more performance–so it may appear or not.
Aerodynamic aids include M-specific spoilers and aero ducting. The larger disc brakes will be special high-performance M units with greater stopping power. Expensive carbon fiber brakes may also be an option, with gold-colored calipers. The iM3 sedan closely follows the 3 Series side profile, aside from the body modifications. At the rear, the trunk is finished with a defined black lip spoiler, and the taillights are unique to the i3 and feature a smoked-effect finish. A more pronounced bumper and diffuser are also apparent. Note that the final design details are still subject to change as testing is underway.
The iM3’s interior is expected to be as classy as the standard i3, with a futuristic, intuitive cockpit. A version of the Panoramic Vision screen that runs along the base of the windshield will be present, along with a 17.9-inch iDrive infotainment touchscreen. As usual, there will be exclusive BMW branding in the car. With two years until the new iM3 is released, BMW is working on how to position and market the iM3, given that the regular gasoline-powered M3 will be sold alongside it. It is expected that an entry model will be sold along with a higher performance model and the top of the range M Competition version with more power, engineering upgrades and performance. Further details will be forthcoming gas the iM3 undergoes more development and testing to fine tune the performance parameters. the iM3 predicted to arrive around the middle of 2027, meaning it will debut for the 2028 model year. Pricing Is still to be confirmed–but expect a U.S. price of $80,000 plus, while in Canada it is expected to be over $100,000.
