M3's Future: BMW's Development Plans

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 at the end of this decade. The new model will be built on BMW's Neue Klasse platform and will feature BMW's "Heart of Joy" integrated control unit. This unit combines decades of knowledge and experience in driving performance, chassis technology, and propulsion. It aims to uphold the core ideals of BMW's Ultimate Driving Machine philosophy in their electric offerings.

"For us, it's not just about achieving the best 0 to 60 time. It's about how all the different components work together. When approaching a curve, we want to ensure that the BMW and our application are right. How many corrections are needed when taking a turn? It's the overall experience that the 'Heart of Joy' will bring to our cars. This total experience is what makes the Ultimate Driving Machine and it's not easy to replicate," said Frank Weber.

The "Heart of Joy" enables sub-one millisecond response times and allows 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 features of the i4 M50 in a cinematic video, demonstrating its capabilities with a one-off prototype performing centre-axis doughnuts.

"When you get into a car that has one megawatt of performance and the ability to control every individual wheel, you might notice something wrong with the engine sound if they still miss that, but not in how the car behaves. It's truly incredible," added Frank Weber.

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FutureCar Staff