Electric BMW M3 Spied Devouring The Nurburgring: Video

The one sound you’ll hear from this BMW M3 prototype is the noise of its tires. Sure, an electrical M3 is coming, and a brand new spy video shot on the Nürburgring exhibits the “ZA0” in motion. It seems impressively fast, although purists could argue it has misplaced its soul with out the gasoline engine. Nevertheless, the EV received’t change the interior combustion mannequin. M plans to introduce a separate M3 “G84” with an inline-six engine.

Sporting bulging wheel arches, the electrical M3 seems to have all its manufacturing physique panels in place. We’re not fully satisfied that the headlights and taillights are last, however their general form and measurement are more likely to stay unchanged. In the event that they’re placeholder clusters, count on up to date inside graphics for the production-ready model.

As proven within the footage, the check automobile isn’t practically as excessive because the Vision Driving Experience idea, which, to be honest, seemed a bit too outlandish for our style. As a substitute, this prototype resembles a beefed-up model of the 2023 Vision Neue Klasse concept. It sits low on the Nordschleife tarmac and doesn’t draw back from exhibiting off its massive entrance air intakes.

Weight stays a priority, however BMW claims its Gen6 round-cell batteries will ship 20% increased power density than at this time’s Gen5 prismatic cells. That provides us hope that the M division received’t stuff an outsized battery pack, subsequently doubtlessly avoiding a big weight penalty. Nonetheless, the prototype seems heavy, so we’ll must see whether or not it may match the dynamic prowess of its gas-powered counterpart.

As for efficiency, sources near Munich inform us the “ZA0” would be the strongest M3 but. Count on round 670 horsepower, with much more potent variations to comply with. BMW would possibly mirror the gasoline M3’s lineup by providing each rear- and all-wheel-drive variants. Nevertheless, a manual transmission is off the table. To make issues worse, the next-generation gasoline M3 would possibly lose the stick shift and rear-wheel-drive configuration.

Don’t count on to see both anytime quickly. BMW will roll out the usual i3 in 2026, making it unlikely the M model will arrive earlier than 2027. Its gasoline-powered sibling is anticipated within the second half of 2028.

Video: CarSpyMedia / YouTube