BMW M Concept Neue Klasse, the preview of what the electric M3 will be

With the launch of the new BMW i3, the second model in the Neue Klasse family, the first “spy” images of the performance version soon appeared, or in other words what would be the first fully electric BMW M3. Expectation was quite high, and BMW has not wanted to keep speculating, showing in all its glory the M Concept Neue Klasse, the forerunner of the fully electric M3.

You may like it more or less because of its powertrain, but there is no denying that the Concept Neue Klasse has a lot of BMW M, at least in its design. As you can see, it features the distinctive shark nose pointing forward, combined with modern solutions such as the light signature with a depth effect created by the grille, and the headlights with yellow lighting, an iconic feature that references GT racing cars and that the brand promises to turn into the signature of future BMW M models.

We remain at the front of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse, with the bumper inspired by the shape of high-speed sailboats, a three-part design that is not only an aesthetic solution but also provides structural support for the front splitter, located on the lower edge of the bumper. It is also on the bumper, at both ends, that the three-dimensional Track Lights are located, another element that will become a signature of BMW M models.

Moving along the side, we find large wheels framed by wheel arches that are bigger than those of the new i3, which suit the car perfectly and stand out even more thanks to the black side skirts. At the rear, the bumper also receives a design that continues the one used at the front, equipped with rear Track Lights and an integrated rear diffuser, along with a discreet “duck tail” spoiler that rounds off the whole. Note the use of carbon fibre for several elements such as the splitter and the diffuser, and the car is presented in the new Monza Red metallic colour.

The interior of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse features several changes compared with the new i3. BMW has opted for minimalism, reshaping the lower part of the centre console, installing a new central screen for the infotainment system, and fitting a new steering wheel design which, although it stands out for its sportiness and is, in my opinion, more attractive than the i3’s, still does not convince me. Nevertheless, and following what BMW has said, it is a cabin with a coherent design centred on the driving experience for the electric BMW M models.

Along with this design come four newly developed wraparound seats incorporating structural elements made from natural fibre materials, upholstered in Bathurst blue and Berry red for the Merino leather, which revives BMW M’s colours. These are combined with high-quality leather applied to areas such as the steering wheel, the door panels and the roll bar, not forgetting the dashboard, which is covered in black knit fabric and has a hexagonal ambient lighting specific to BMW M. All of this is complemented by red details on the gear selector, the steering wheel paddle shifters and the digital displays.

For now, BMW is keeping most of the details of the powertrain fitted to the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse, which could hint at what we will see in the electric M3, although they have confirmed the innovative propulsion concept BMW M eDrive, with four electric motors and the BMW M Dynamic Performance Control, based on the Gen6 technology of the Neue Klasse with the Heart of Joy control software. All this comes with 800-volt technology and a high-voltage battery with an energy capacity of more than 100 kWh, whose casing is structurally integrated into both the front and rear axles to help driving dynamics.