BMW Neue Klasse M3 first official images are out

BMW is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of performance, and its M division has consistently delivered some of the most exhilarating driving experiences on the market. Now, the German automaker is preparing to electrify its iconic M3, and the first official images of a prototype have just been released, giving us a glimpse of what's to come.

While the prototype is still heavily camouflaged, it's clear that the electric M3 will draw inspiration from the Neue Klasse Vision Concept revealed last year. The front end features BMW's futuristic design language, while the side profile is clean and sharp, with minimalistic lines that stay close to the concept car's three-box design.

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But this is no ordinary 3-series. This is an M3, and it boasts the signature M design elements that enthusiasts crave. Flared fenders, wide wheel arches, pop-up door handles, large wheels, and Michelin high-performance tires all hint at the car's performance potential.

Internally known as project code ZA0, the new M3 EV is scheduled to debut in 2027. Built on the Neue Klasse platform, which it will share with the NA0 i3 launching in 2026, the iM3 promises exhilarating electric performance. The base model is anticipated to deliver around 670 horsepower, with more powerful versions likely to follow.

BMW has teased quad-motor EVs with over 1,300 horsepower, but it seems they're taking a more measured approach with the initial release of the electric M3. This clever approach allows BMW to gradually introduce high-performance electric vehicles to the market, ensuring that they meet the expectations of their customer base.

The ZA0 M3 EV will leverage the Neue Klasse platform's cutting-edge "Heart of Joy" - an advanced system that powers an all-wheel-drive system and integrated driving dynamics control. This fairly complicated setup will ensure that the M3 delivers the precision and agility expected of an M car, even in its electric iteration.

BMW M plans to offer several versions of the M3 and M4 (ZA2) electric models, with varying power outputs for different performance needs. This way, enthusiasts will be able to choose the model that best suits their driving preferences and requirements. The all-electric M lineup will expand further with the arrival of the iX3 M SUV (ZA5) in 2026, as BMW M continues its push into electrification.

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