BMW has confirmed that the next BMW M3 will be fully electric, and it could be coming with a unique quad-motor setup.
According to a report by Autocar, BMW development boss Frank Weber confirmed to the media that the next high-performance BMW 3 Series will be battery-electric, however it will exist for some time alongside a turbocharged petrol inline-six version.
A key part of the next BMW M3 will be what BMW calls the ‘heart of joy’ control unit which is set to help keep driving character in electric vehicles, even without the use of a combustion engine.
The BMW M3 is set to go electric in 2027
Frank Weber also told Autocar that the software will be proprietary and is the culmination of over 30 years experience. The next-generation BMW M3 is not expected until 2027.
Quad-motor setup has been tested, likely to find its way to future BMW M products
Back in December 2022, BMW tested a concept vehicle that incorporated an electric motor into each wheel and was teased in a social media promotional video.
BMW teased a quad-motor M car late last year
This could in fact be the system and technologies used for a future M production car, such as the next M3 or M4, however BMW has not fully disclosed if this technology will officially see the light of day.
This powertrain is reportedly capable of producing up to 1341hp, or around 1000kW.
BMW keen to keep combustion alive for M division
BMW is likely to want to keep its iconic turbocharged straight-six engine for as long as it can, depending on how strict European emission standards become.
BMW’s M Division is set to be electrified in the coming years
“The story of the M3 is everlasting,” M division CEO Frank van Meel told Autocar. “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”.
BMW is determined to ensure that no matter the powertrain of choice, customers should always be able to drive a BMW and know they are M cars.
“We have stood the test of time for 50 years and will continue to do so,” van Meel added.