BMW’s performance division is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022, and we are months away from the launch of the M2 Coupe and its second M-specific car after the M1 supercar, the XM. The M2 Coupe will be the final full-fat M car before the subdivision embarks on the hybrid and full electrification journey. If that is true, the M3 EV will arrive sooner than we thought. But there is nothing to worry about because M boss, Frank Van Meel, has assured us that “it will always be an M3”, something ‘groundbreaking.’
The M3 EV will not be your regular Tesla
The G80 M3 launched in 2020 and has been the most potent iteration of this legendary moniker. It is based on the G20 3 Series’ CLAR platform and features a 510-horsepower, S58, twin-turbo, 3.0-liter straight-six engine. Although it is already two years old, we can predict that the current M3 will stay firm in the minds of enthusiasts and the market until 2025. However, a possible hint at the upcoming electrified 3 Series, code-named NK1, from the M boss can mean that there might be a chance that a more radical saloon with an M-badge to hit the market as well.
Frank Van Meel told Autocar that “the story of the M3 is everlasting. Every time we change the story of the engine, from four-cylinder to six-cylinder, to eight-cylinder, to six-cylinder and a turbocharger, the story continues.” He continued about the legacy of the M3 and how it shaped the performance division’s fame all over the globe. However, he has also stated that going electric isn’t something any of the bosses of BMW are concerned about- “We’ve just been talking to customers, and the feedback is that 90-95% don’t care what direction we take on powertrain. They just want an M car. Yes, some say that if we don’t do V-8s, they’re out, but that’s okay: I respect that.” So, this might be a green light for the Motorsport division to work closely and develop full-fat electric cars with M power.
Battery Weight and Big Grilles
Previously, the M boss was worried about the potential disadvantages of the transition to a fully electric powertrain, as the batteries and the other essential components add extra weight to the cars. Higher weight is not something a sportscar should have, and the brand is investing more in ‘lightweight technology’ to retain the dynamic flair of future M cars. Moreover, it is good news for you if you dislike the existing M3’s enlarged kidney grilles because BMW wouldn’t need those upper vents to cool the battery pack. So the future electric M3 coupe might have a more aggressive and seamless design without the existing flaws.
A new platform, New Hope, and A Lot of Punch
Recently, we learned that BMW could use the Neue Klasse platform to make future plug-in hybrids, EVs, and even hydrogen-powered cars. In addition, the range of flexibility could reflect the upcoming performance cars from the M division. M cars will retain the current lineup's rear-wheel and all-wheel drive systems. In addition, they will be more potent than ever with faster 0-60 timing and higher top speed. Van Meel thinks, “whatever the powertrain, you should always be able to drive our cars and know they are M cars.” He is confident that the future hybrid and electric performance cars will be ‘groundbreaking,’ and people will go: ‘this is crazy, I didn’t see that coming.’ The i4 M50 and the iX M60 are currently sold under the M Performance badge, which means they are not full-fledged M cars, but they have relatively strong road acceleration.