The 2027 BMW iM3: Everything You Need to Know

The iconic M3 is likely going electric later this decade, with a new name — and insane power.

Published November 29, 2023

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The electric transition is happening. Combustion icons are converting to battery power. One that should transition in the not-too-distant future is the BMW M3. BMW development head Frank Weber confirmed to Autocar the next-generation M3 “will be all-electric.”

Here’s everything you need to know.

bmw neue klasse sedan concept with woman

The first electric BMW M car will likely be called the iM3

If there’s one car that represents the soul of BMW’s M division, it’s the M3. (Or rather, the M3 / M4, as the sedan and coupe/convertible versions now use different names.) So it makes a lot of sense for the brand to capitalize on that beloved name for its first pure-electric M car.

According to European Union Intellectual Property Office and German Patent and Trade Office trademark applications unearthed by CarBuzz, BMW has filed to lock down the name “iM3” for a future model. Given that the 4 Series begat the i4, the X3 begat the iX3 and so forth, it seems pretty much a given that this name would be for the electric equivalent of the M3.

The iM3 should use the Neue Klasse platform

BMW has been building EVs like the i4 sedan and iX crossover on its hybrid CLAR architecture that supports both EV and combustion powertrains. But BMW is building a Neue Klasse dedicated EV platform. The first models to debut are expected to be a 3 Series equivalent sedan and an X3-like crossover. The iM3 will presumably be a hotter take on that sedan.

The iM3 will have a “Heart of Joy”

The electric M3 should receive BMW’s new in-house developed “Heart of Joy” operating system. Essentially, it’s one system controlling all of the vehicle’s functions, in contrast to what most EVs have: several third-party-developed systems operating in concert.

Weber described the potential functionality of the system to Autocar as “crazy.” It could reduce latency by a factor of 10 and allow BMW more control to tailor the driving experience. Current EVs can feel pretty ubiquitous, but BMW believes that the system will allow it to provide a unique BMW M car experience.

The iM3 could pack a stupendous amount of power

Autocar says the new M3 may get a new quad-motor EV setup that the M division has been testing with prototypes. That system could direct power to individual wheels and accommodate outputs of more than 1,300 horsepower. However, we don’t expect the eventual electric M3 to wield nearly three times the oomph of the current combustion version.

When will the iM3 arrive?

The Neue Klasse cars are expected to arrive for the 2026 model year, which could be as soon as the 2025 calendar year. Autocar pegs the electric iM3 as arriving in 2027.

So, is that the end of the internal combustion M3 then?

No. Weber told Autocar there will be a period of “coexistence” between the electric M3 and the combustion model. And unlike rivals Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Lexus, BMW has not set a hard date for eliminating combustion models. BMW has only pledged to sell 50 percent EVs by 2030 (though the brand may exceed that by a wide margin).