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2027 BMW M3 EV Caught Testing at the Nürburgring: Where Performance Meets Destiny

TEDDIE

A single camouflage-covered electric M3 prototype was recently spotted navigating the 12.8-mile Green Hell, where it appeared perfectly at ease.

The production of an all-electric M3 by BMW is significant, and this model will differ substantially from previous ones, including present BMW electric vehicles. Nonetheless, it must retain the core characteristics typical of a gasoline-powered M3, despite lacking its distinctive engine—a key element contributing to the driving pleasure that has made these models so beloved.

It must provide not just an entertaining and involving driving experience but also achieve impressive lap times on a racetrack. Following sightings of it undergoing tests in the snow-covered north of Europe,
the electric M3
The prototype was spotted circling the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the renowned 12.8-mile testing circuit that boasts 157 turns within a single lap, serving as the ultimate challenge for most new sports vehicles.

The prototype evidently displays the
BMW Neue Klasse
design cues, including the telltale headlight design and the general squared-off aesthetic. We’re not sure if this car is wearing its final production body panels, though, and it could just be a mule that blends production parts with one-off handmade pieces made only for testing.

This model features standard M-series flared wheel arches enhanced with add-on overfenders, which might indicate that this vehicle could still be a prototype. The widened fenders conceal what seem to be extremely large tires. It wouldn’t surprise us if the back wheels were fitted with 295 or 305 section tires. Given how much grip it will likely require, we anticipate that it will boast significantly greater power output compared to all preceding M models—even surpassing the recently introduced plug-in hybrid M5, known for delivering well over 700 horsepower.

We’re confident this is the all-electric version of the M3 since it doesn’t have noticeable exhaust outlets, and its front grille is largely sealed off.
@joelre98
uploaded an Instagram clip demonstrating the prototype driving onto the track and quietly moving off. Had this been a plug-in hybrid, the internal combustion engine would likely have kicked in when the driver accelerated sharply as they went past the camera.


An additional sign that these aren’t equipped with final production parts is the clear stand-in taillights at the back, which are likely not how they’ll appear on the actual vehicle. The finished product will closely resemble the design seen on the concept cars shown earlier.
The electric version of the 3 Series
, which might be named i3 in non-M form, so the M version could be designated as either i3M or Mi3.

Regardless of its title, the electric sedan needs to captivate audiences with its ability to execute high-speed drifts and precise turns, earning nods of approval from driving aficionados. Additionally, BMW aims to showcase advancements in the performance EV segment, as their current models have not fully met our expectations.
the i4
and
i5
are lined up in a straight line, but when they reach the corners, their heaviness becomes apparent, significantly reducing the handling compared to gasoline-powered BMWs.

Given our experience with numerous performance electric vehicles, we’d opt for either the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N or the Tesla Model 3 Performance when looking to navigate a racetrack at high speeds rather than choosing an electric BMW nowadays, which speaks volumes. However, with up to
four motors
and more than 1,000 horsepower in the most powerful variants combined with BMW’s motorsport expertise, we have high hopes for the electric M3, which
was met with great enthusiasm from BMW executives
at an internal drive meeting.

BMW has not specified a timeline for unveiling the electric M3, but they plan to reveal it sometime after introducing the standard non-M i3 sedan, expected in 2026. This comes following the release of their initial Neue Klasse model—an electric version similar to the X3—which is set to launch later this year. While we might witness its premiere as early as 2026, it’s more probable that it will arrive in 2027.

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