The BMW electric M3 will keep its original name and will not be the iM3

The BMW electric M3 is not far off, and we have received news that has surprised us. We expected this electric model to get the iM3 name, like the rest of the range. We learned this from Auto Express, with words from Frank van Meel, head of BMW M. According to him, this will not just be an M version of the BMW i3, but will have its own personality within the BMW M range.

The electric version of the BMW M3 will sit alongside the combustion-engine version as the most powerful version of the model launched so far. To do this, it will use a four-motor architecture capable of delivering up to one megawatt, which equates to a power output of 1,341 CV.

However, the brand does not want to reach those figures and leave the power above other variants, but without going too far. If this model offered 700 CV, it would already be above other versions of the BMW M3, so it is possible it will be around that figure.

But for the German brand, power is not everything. What gives the BMW M3 its value is precision and the driving experience. The design of the new BMW M3 is still unclear, although it is expected to share much in common with the M Concept Neue Klasse, which debuted at Le Mans and has been seen again at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The images accompanying this article are of that concept model.

The BMW i3 is an electric saloon that will reach the market this autumn and, although the details will differ, the styling will be present. It may use yellow daytime running lights, which could become a distinctive feature of the M series. This electric version will be built on the Neue Klasse platform of BMW, while the petrol-hybrid version will use the updated CLAR platform. Despite this, both models will be identical.