On the 2025 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel provided new insights on the model’s transition to electrification—and what meaning for driving purists. The guide transmission, a defining factor of M’s character automobiles for many years, received’t make the leap to the subsequent era of electrical M fashions.
Whereas BMW M stays dedicated to providing guide gearboxes in its present combustion-powered lineup—significantly in automobiles just like the M2, the place over half of U.S. patrons nonetheless select three pedals—van Meel confirmed that conventional manuals aren’t appropriate with the structure or logic of EVs. Regardless of their fanatic attraction, Van Meel advised us throughout a roundtable that manuals would add complexity with out enhancing efficiency or effectivity in electrical drivetrains.
That mentioned, BMW M isn’t abandoning engagement. As an alternative of mimicking outdated {hardware}, the model is growing new methods to offer sensory suggestions in electrical automobiles. With out engine revs or gear adjustments, drivers can lose a way of velocity and connection. BMW is actively engaged on options, from acoustic suggestions to haptic cues and real-time visible indicators, to assist preserve the emotional hyperlink between automotive and driver. We’ve already seen a teaser just a few months in the past which confirmed an M3 EV prototype delivering an ICE sound contained in the cabin.
One of many key check beds for this new M efficiency expertise would be the upcoming electrical BMW M3, known internally as ZA0. Set to reach in 2027, the next-gen M3 will debut on BMW’s Neue Klasse platform and is predicted to ship at the very least 850 horsepower. Stronger variations may comply with, in typical M3 trend.
BMW’s new EV structure permits for extremely versatile drivetrain configurations, supporting one to 4 motors. The electrical M3 is prone to function excited synchronous motors (EESM) on the rear axle for responsive energy supply, paired with asynchronous motors (ASM) on the entrance, which offer effectivity and reduce drag when not in use. This mix permits engineers to tune efficiency with precision whereas decreasing parasitic losses typical in dual-motor EVs.
At an occasion that celebrates automotive heritage, BMW used the Villa d’Este stage to make its place clear: the guide gearbox could keep alive in ICE automobiles for now. Our personal sources say that if the next-gen ICE M3 (codename G84) goes mild-hybrid, then the six-speed guide is not going to be a part of the package deal.
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