These Fat Fenders Reveal All About This M Car’s Purpose | Carscoops

      Prototype of the first electric M3 sheds its disguise, revealing a wide-body design

       17 hours ago

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

       by Chris Chilton

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      BMW's electric M3 has been seen for the first time with minimal camouflage.

      The prototype features real, one-piece fenders instead of the previous riveted arches.

      It is expected to have a quad-motor drivetrain capable of delivering over 700 hp along with torque vectoring.

      BMW's Neue Klasse 3-series sedan is approaching, but quickly upcoming is its M3 variant, set to offer both electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) options. Our spy photographers have captured the EV, possibly named the iM3 following a recent BMW trademark, showcasing its wide production fenders and without any distracting M-color camo for the first time.

      Previously spotted electric M3 test vehicles were equipped with riveted arch extensions or fender graphics, obscuring the actual shape of the rear quarter panels. Now, the genuine contours of the fenders are visible, which will add over 3 inches (76 mm) in width compared to a standard i330 sedan.

      Related: BMW M Acknowledges Your Dislike for EVs, Yet Continues Development

      The increased width of the front fenders is rather subtle, but when combined with a lowered suspension, the M3 appears much lower, wider, and more aggressive compared to the i330 prototypes we have seen. However, the transformation at the rear is unmistakable. The new prominent fenders are substantial, causing the charging flap on the near-side rear quarter to sit nearly at a 45-degree angle.

      How do we know this is the electric M3? The absence of tailpipes is a clear indicator – we see a diffuser for the first time on a prototype – but there are additional hints. Electric versions of the Neue Klasse 3-series, including the M3, feature a much shorter gap between the front door and the front wheel arch opening, a more sloped windshield, and a forward-leaning window post in the middle of the rear door. In contrast, combustion-powered NK Threes, built on an updated version of the current 3-series' CLAR platform instead of the Neue Klasse architecture, have a vertical window post.

      Although this M3 prototype reveals the production fenders, it still harbors many secrets, as it won’t debut for at least 18 months. The front and rear bumpers remain covered, and the final designs for the front and rear lighting are yet to be seen.

      However, an image providing a glimpse of the interior through the passenger window shows the presence of the same centrally-mounted Panoramic iDrive tablet touchscreen and a full-width head-up display at the base of the windshield that BMW showcased during CES in Las Vegas at the beginning of 2025.

      Beneath the surface, the electric M3 will potentially feature up to four electric motors delivering slightly more than 700 hp (710 PS) in its standard configuration, while the ICE variant will be equipped with a mild-hybrid six-cylinder engine.