Without substantial electric assistance, we expect the petrol M3 to be only slightly more powerful than the current M3 Competition, which develops 523 hp and 650 Nm of power. couple.

The purely electric M3, which could be called iM3, will have dynamic capabilities similar to the gasoline model, according to our source, despite a weight of between 400 and 500 kg more for the electric vehicle. To compensate for the extra weight, the iM3 will get more power. We’ve already seen a four-motor version of the similarly sized BMW model. i4 Testing the M50 EV and Weber told Auto Express the system could produce up to 1,341 hp, although such power would likely be reserved for cars higher up in the M range, like the X5 M and XM.

The iM3 will likely receive a detuned version of the system, but the power distribution between the four motors will be highly adjustable, which should help the iM3 retain the traditional M3 driving experience.

BMW M division boss Frank van Meel also told Auto Express that the company was studying simulated shift technology like that offered on the Hyundai Ioniq 5N. “If you only have one gear and you don’t have any feedback, you don’t know how fast you’re going and you can’t look down on speed,” he said. “You always need to know how fast you’re going, and that’s missing if you don’t have acoustic feedback or haptic feedback. We are looking at different ways to offer this to you.

We expect the design of the new fully electric M3 to be inspired by the Neue Klasse 3 Series sedan, garnished with some usual M division touches such as wider wheel arches, aggressive bumpers and the diffuser seen in our exclusive image predicting the look.

With less heat buildup, thanks to new engine temperature management systems, the gasoline-powered M3 may not need many more front air vents than its purely electric sibling .

Read our review now BMW M5 Touring…