Electric BMW M3: Quad motor setup, 100kWh battery and 2027 launch confirmed – NotebookCheck.net News
The upcoming BMW M3 will be all-electric and based on the “Neue Klasse” platform. The German carmaker opted for a pretty radical drivetrain concept with four electric motors and a central control unit in order to transfer the brand’s characteristic rear-wheel drive dynamics into the EV era.
Andreas Jakobi (translated by Enrico Frahn), Published 🇩🇪
BMW has unveiled more official details on the architecture of its upcoming fully electric M models, which are scheduled to launch starting in 2027. At the core is a central control unit that manages all drivetrain and chassis control systems and massively accelerates data processing compared to current systems. Instead of a mechanical differential, intelligent software adjusts torque distribution between the four motors. BMW also integrates simulated gear shifts and a specific sound design that’s intended to emulate internal combustion engines.
Some facts about the electric BMW M3:
- Quad-motor system, one motor per wheel for precise torque distribution/torque vectoring
- high-voltage battery with more than 100kWh of usable capacity
- individual control of each wheel allows switching between AWD and RWD
- natural fiber elements instead of carbon fiber to reduce the CO2 footprint by around 40%
- 800V system for short charging times at compatible fast-charging stations
- battery housing functions as a load-bearing element within the chassis
The electric M3 won’t be an upgraded BMW i3 sedan, but a heavily modified high-performance machine. Thanks to the optional decoupling of the front axle, the vehicle can be turned into a classic rear-wheel-drive car at the push of a button. This is supposed to improve long-distance efficiency and might appeal to drivers who prefer this drivetrain layout. That said, prospective buyers should note that the electric BMW M3 will be positioned alongside the current combustion-engine model, which is expected to be offered for several more years with the S58 inline-six engine. Therefore, drivers who are looking for technical innovation might want to wait for the launch of the all-electric version in 2027. For purists, the current BMW M3 (G80/G81) will remain in the lineup.
Will the electric BMW M3 also come as a Touring?
A look at current sales numbers highlights the relevance of performance cars that are still practical in everyday situations. Case in point, the BMW M3 Touring (G81) experienced a massive surge in demand, which went up by 57% in 2024. In light of this, it’s plausible that BMW will also launch a Touring variant of the electric M3, at least in some markets like Germany.
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Translator: Enrico Frahn – Managing Editor Accessory Reviews, Tech Writer – 6130 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2021
My fascination for technology goes back a long way to the Pentium II era. Modding, overclocking and treasuring computer hardware has since become an integral part of my life. As a student, I further developed a keen interest in mobile technologies that can make the stressful college life so much easier. After I fell in love with the creation of digital content while working in a marketing position, I now scour the web to bring you the most exciting topics in the world of tech. Outside the office, I’m particularly passionate about motorsports and mountain biking.
Andreas Jakobi, 2026-01-17 (Update: 2026-01-17)
