This BMW M3 might be the heaviest one to date, but it is also the fastest ever. | Carscoops

      Production of the all-electric M3, possibly named the iM3, is set to commence in March 2027.

      The electric M3 sedan from BMW is anticipated to generate over 700 hp thanks to its four motors.

      The prototype features wide arches, indicating significant performance and bold styling.

      It is estimated to weigh more than 1,000 pounds above the current internal combustion engine M3.

      The transition to electric vehicles is affecting nearly every segment of the automotive industry, and BMW's renowned M3 lineup is no different. An all-electric variant of this high-performance sedan is on the horizon, signaling a major advancement for BMW as it enters its Neue Klasse era.

      This new version will be available alongside the traditional gasoline-powered M3, and although it may struggle to provide the same exhilarating driving experience, BMW M appears well-equipped to tackle the challenge of creating an engaging EV.

      Numerous electric M3 prototypes are currently being tested across Europe, with one recently observed near BMW's facility at the Nurburgring Nordschleife. The sight of an M3 prototype charging may be unsettling to purists, reminiscent of discovering your favorite bouncer has a hobby in knitting.

      This particular prototype, fully covered in camouflage, seems to lack the bulky body cladding found on earlier test vehicles, offering a clearer view of the nearly production-ready bodywork.

      The design of the front end significantly differs from the current M3, reflecting BMW's Neue Klasse aesthetics, which will soon be adopted across the entire model range. It features relatively small headlights that connect seamlessly to darked-out kidney grilles, along with an additional lower grille on the bumper for enhanced cooling.

      The electric M3's fenders, or potentially the i3M as BMW might call it, are particularly noteworthy. They are impressively wide, providing the car with a robust and aggressive appearance. The rear arches are notably muscular and, combined with the shape of the temporary taillights, evoke a resemblance to the current BMW M5 in both proportion and attitude.

      This test vehicle is also equipped with wheels that are likely to be part of the production model. These wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport tires and are paired with robust, cross-drilled steel brakes. Previous spy images suggested that the electric M3 could weigh at least 465 kg (1,025 lbs) more than the current gasoline model, so it wouldn’t be surprising if carbon ceramic brakes are offered as an option, similar to those available on the current M3 and M4.

      Details regarding the powertrain are still somewhat unclear at this point. The expected configuration is that the iM3 will utilize four electric motors providing a total output of at least 700 hp. Notably, BMW has hinted that the configuration could be pushed to over 1,300 hp, though it remains uncertain whether such levels will be realized in the final product.

      Even at the lower power estimate, the iM3 would compete closely with the upcoming M5 and significantly outpace the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N, which produces 641 hp. It is highly likely that it will become the fastest production car ever to bear the M3 badge.