The arrival of the BMW iM3 seemed only a matter of time, after it emerged last week that the Germans had patented the name ‘iM3’. But according to the boss of the BMW M department, this does not say anything about the future of an electric M3.
In an interview with Top Gear Frank van Meel – director of BMW’s M department – indicates that the combination of ‘i’ and ‘M’ will never be used. The CEO calls the merger a success mission impossible: “Even if it’s an electric M, we would never add the ‘i’ to the M name”.
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Electric M3 not excluded
The Dutch CEO of the M division does not mean that there will never be an electric one BMW M3 will come – but with a different name. In the interview, the CEO explains in detail why a name like iM3 is impossible for BMW: “The letter ‘i’ refers to the technology, while M cars are not about that. M is all about a promise, about motorsport and about emotion. It’s not about the powertrain technology.”
Four electric Ms
BMW currently has four electric M cars in its model range, namely the BMW iX M60, BMW i4 M50, BMW i5 M60 and BMW i7 M70. With these models we see a clear split between the model names and the M addition.
New class
Van Meel did not want to confirm the arrival of the electric M3, but the model seems to be coming. Frank Weber – head of production development at BMW – indicated a few months ago that a sporty and electric version of the BMW 3 series is in the barrel.
The new M3 will be based on the Vision Neue Class that BMW presented in September. The EV should be launched in 2027 and will reportedly have a staggering 1360 hp. This is achieved by equipping the M3 EV with not one, not two, but four electric motors. So one for each wheel.