BMW reinvents the M3 as a quad-motor electric monster

15 January 2026

For nearly forty years, the BMW M3 has been the gold standard for sports sedans. It built its legend on high-revving engines and rear-wheel-drive thrills. But the automotive world is shifting, and BMW M is now preparing its biggest change ever. By 2027, the first fully electric version of its icon will arrive, and it is bringing some serious hardware to the party.

The new model will be part of the Neue Klasse family, a fresh generation of EVs designed from the ground up. The electric M3 will be powered by a radical quad-motor system. Instead of one or two motors, BMW is putting a separate motor at each wheel, allowing the car to control power with incredible precision. The company has not given a final horsepower number yet, but experts suggest we could see ratings near 1,000 hp. This would make it the most powerful M3 in history.

To feed those four motors, BMW is using a new 100 kWh battery pack that uses cylindrical cells instead of the flat ones found in older EVs. This design helps the battery handle the high heat and heavy demands of racetrack driving. The battery also acts as a structural part of the frame, making the car stiffer and more responsive. Even with a heavy battery, BMW plans to keep the car agile by using lightweight natural fiber parts that are similar to carbon fiber but apparently better for the environment.

One big worry for fans is that electric cars can feel a bit like driving a computer. BMW wants to fix that, and to do that, they are taking a page out of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N playbook by adding simulated gear shifts. The car will also have a custom "soundscape" to mimic the roar of an engine. This tech will be managed by a central computer system BMW calls the "Heart of Joy." It coordinates the steering, braking, and power to make sure the driver stays at the center of the action.

Purists can also breathe a sigh of relief regarding the drivetrain. Even though it has four motors, you can choose to turn off the front axle entirely, turning the electric BMW M3 into a traditional rear-wheel-drive machine. This should let drivers slide the car around on a track, and it also helps save energy when cruising on the highway. Who would have thought efficiency and fun could actually live together in the same vehicle?

We are still about a year away from seeing the final production version, but the goal is clear. BMW wants to prove that an electric future does not mean a boring one. By combining massive power with smart software and classic rear-drive options, the 2027 electric M3 wants to keep the title of the king of the sport sedan segment.

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