BMW M3 Electric Transition

author: FutureCar Staff    

The next BMW to wear the M3 badge will be a fully electric model which will coexist with the current ICE M3 instead of replacing it.

According to BMW M development head Frank Weber, BMW plans to introduce an all-electric M3 by the end of this decade. The new model will be built on BMW's Neue Klasse platform and will feature the "Heart of Joy" integrated control unit. This unit combines decades of knowledge and experience in driving performance, chassis technology, and propulsion. It is a successor to the "Hand of God" unit used in BMW's hybrid i8 sports car, and it aims to uphold the core ideals of BMW's Ultimate Driving Machine philosophy in its all-electric offerings.

"For us, it's crucial that it's not just about the 0 to 60 performance. It's about how all the different components work together," said Frank Weber. The "Heart of Joy" aims to provide a total driving experience, measuring factors like handling and cornering performance. Weber emphasized that this experience is what sets BMW apart and is not easy to replicate.

The "Heart of Joy" allows for sub-one millisecond response times and enables control over the propulsion and recuperation characteristics of each wheel. It can support quad motor drivetrains and deliver up to one megawatt of power. In August 2022, BMW showcased the capabilities of the i4 M50 in a cinematic video, demonstrating the car's ability to perform centre-axis doughnuts.

"And when you have a car with one megawatt of performance and the ability to control each individual wheel, you can be sure that the engine sound might be different, but the car's behavior will be incredible," Weber added.

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FutureCar Staff