COMING SOON, NEW BMW M3 EV
Neue Klasse is worth the wait!
In the heart of those of us who truly find joy in driving, there is a yardstick by which other true driver’s cars are measured. One such metric was created in 1986 when the first BMW M3 E30 was created as a homologation model for entry into DTM German Touring Car Championship racing. Much has changed throughout the more than six generations, newest among those changes could arguably be the energy source. Is it merely speculation that BMW will bring us an M3 EV? When will this dream actually happen and why do we want it so much even before we can get behind the wheel?
We are patirently waiting for the 2027 model year when BMW plans a completely new level of fun with the all-new electric M3. From where we are sitting, the time to level up is now. Spotted in Sweden back in January of this year, the BMW M3 EV prototype was looking super cool while doing some cold weather testing. Nearly 700 horsepower is on tap with the base all wheel X-Drive model, but BMW was exploring more than the frozen Swedish tundra. Test mules of a quad motor EV version with closer to 1,300 available horsepower have been rumored to be wearing winter camouflage in 2025. Still a prototype for now, but not to worry. The skilled champions who work at BMW factories rise to the challenges of delivering new launches on time, every time.
This Neue Klasse M3 EV is everything we love about the M3 and more. Much more.
Some of what you see on this test car will surely change before it hits the streets. You betcha the rear haunches, front and rear bumpers, and kidney grill all have been leveled up. What makes it otherworldly goes far beyond the upper-level shape. BMW CEO Oliver Zipse recently shared a quick glimpse of the tiny yet incredibly powerful new vehicle with the world. Beating deep within the breast of this beast lies what he proudly calls the “Heart of Joy”. BMW engineering genius combines everything that is required for steering, propulsion control, chassis braking, and drive dynamics. The singular software architecture centralizes the many sensors and functions so that every signal moves through up to ten times faster.
Controlling all this power is no longer such a daunting task for BMW as they are integrating their aforementioned Heart of Joy supercomputer into every Neue Klasse vehicle in the lineup.
Prepare to level up now to experience this advanced all-wheel drive technology that delivers precise car control and driver tunable handling as only BMW can.
The Heart of Joy redefines the BMW driving experience and insures the 2026 BMW M3 EV is more BMW, more M than ever before. Translating the digital algorithms into a more natural analog feel compared to the gold standard in digital controls in cars currently on the road, brings more to the table when the car is powered by electricity. Braking regeneration recuperates more efficiently, driving behaviors, and ADAS (Autonomous Driver Assistance System) are all improved.
“The Heart of Joy enables us to take driving pleasure not just to the next level, but another one beyond that,” says Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Development. “In addition, we are further increasing efficiency, and therefore boosting range, as in future the driver will brake almost exclusively using energy regeneration. This is Efficient Dynamics squared.” Extending the recuperation cycle increases overall vehicle efficiency by at least 25 percent.
The M3 EV is gaining technological advancements from the group’s high performance test vehicle known as the BMW Vision Driving Experience or VDX. This is the ultimate test rig for specially developed technologies like driving dynamics management. Neither a prototype nor series production car, VDX is currently undergoing final tests in the USA at the BMW Performance Driving Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Appealing to all the driver’s senses is something of a claim to fame for BMW. When you see the BMW M3 EV on the road you will immediately know this is not a car, not a company, not a platform that simply accepts current successes as good enough. Everything about the M experience has always been a level up from the status quo. M represents performance that is in a status all its own.
Better Batteries
Supersized battery packs are not the BMW way, proven by sixth-generation battery cells produced in a worldwide network of 10 facilities including Woodruff, South Carolina. Compared to prismatic cells, these round cells have 20 percent higher energy density and support adding 186 miles worth of charging capability in only 10 minutes. Range anxiety is beginning to disappear when considering that BMW promises that all Neue Klasse cars will deliver at least 600 km (360+ miles) which is as much or more than the average internal combustion propelled car.
This is an 800 volt system with bidirectional charging capabilities. It is now fully possible to integrate the ability to feed electricity back into the power grid and reduce costs while optimizing home charging. Features such as these enhance the utility of EV’s as energy providers while simultaneously ensuring our infrastructure remains ready to provide supply priorities required for electric mobility. BMW stressed the importance of each customer having full control over the energy management of their vehicle. After all, this is still very much a driver’s car.
Hear the M3 EV Roar!
The super brains behind the Neue Klasse BMW M3 EV puts a faster super brain behind the controls, but that isn’t the only ingredient in the BMW recipe for exhilarated exuberance.
Putting it through its paces was a thrill for all the senses, including the ears! The BMW EV M3 has incorporated a synthesized exhaust soundtrack of a Munich straight-six engine in the throes of high adrenaline revs from the speakers (without the second hand smoke). There are also rumors of a virtual gear shift lever. Retaining the fun of rowing through the gearbox while blasting down the Nurburgring is understandably expected, even if it is only virtual. Sheer ecstasy in motion.
Does BMW know what we want? Yes. Yes, they do. We say, bring it on!
