The Upcoming Electric BMW M3 will Reportedly Have Close to 1,000 Horsepower and Cost About the Same as the Gas-Powered M3

• BMW is planning both combustion and electric-powered versions of the next M3 performance sedan.

• The electric model will have close to 1,000 horsepower thanks to four electric motors.

• Pricing should be similar between both versions to allow buyers to choose the one they prefer.

Now that the Neue Klasse i3 electric sedan has been unveiled, BMW is turning its attention to an electric version of the next M3, which will also return as a gasoline-powered model using the current CLAR platform.

Indeed, the automaker plans to offer both electric and combustion-powered versions of the compact performance sedan, but this means two related models using completely different underpinnings.

Despite this, the gas-powered M3 will receive a complete styling makeover in line with the design of the Neue Klasse family.

Not many details have been confirmed about the upcoming electric M3, but we know it will be powered by four electric motors, one for each wheel, that will generate close to 1,000 horsepower.

While specific details about the next gasoline-powered M3 also haven’t been announced, we expect this 1,000-horsepower figure to be almost 400 horsepower higher than the output of the gas-powered M3’s engine.

In addition to this impressive power output, the electric M3 will also boast sharp handling, according to Sylvia Neubauer, sales chief at BMW’s M division.

Indeed, she told Autocar that the high-performance EV will “stay true to BMW M DNA” thanks to a lot of attention being given to the driving experience and the relationship between the car and the driver.

Despite a reduction in the global demand for electric vehicles over the last year or so, BMW believes that launching an electric M3 in the coming months is still a good idea since its flexible production method will allow it to adjust to the demand for both type of powertrain.

Therefore, the automaker will be positioned to offer a performance sedan for those who want the latest in EV technology as well as those who prefer a more conventional combustion-powered model.

Due to the separate platforms, there will be a few apparent differences between the two M3s, but BMW says both models will obviously be “twins” in terms of appearance.

This similarity will also reportedly extend to the pricing structure, at least in Europe, where both models should be priced in the “same ball park”, according to Sylvia Neubauer.

This will allow buyers to choose the powertrain they prefer without purchase cost factoring into the decision.

More details about the upcoming gasoline and electric powered M3s should be revealed over the coming months, as BMW continues to launch new Neue Klasse models and refreshing existing nameplates.

Source: Autocar