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Whether you like it or not, the electric BMW M3 is inevitable, and as these new spy shots confirm, it will adopt several styling cues from the Vision Neue Klasse concept revealed back in September 2023. That being said, this is still clearly a pretty early development mule, as the arches are tacked on and the taillights are placeholder units. But the underlying body seems to stay true to the concept car, and those squared rear fenders carry more than a hint of G87 BMW M2. Overall, the shape is far more angular than we’re used to, but as we’ve noted before, looks are the least important thing about a Bimmer.

Ridiculous Power Is Possible, But BMW Will Hold Its Horses

The electric M3, internally codenamed ZA0, will be built on the adaptable Neue Klasse architecture. This is expected to result in fantastic power outputs that far exceed the 543-horsepower limit of the current M3 CS. We’re expecting all BMW M EVs to feature a quartet of motors, with the potential for up to a megawatt of power from the setup. That translates to 1,341 horsepower, but that kind of output is more suited to something like a future M5; BMW has said that controlling extreme EV power is a real challenge. Instead, expect the electric M3 to deliver around 700 hp.

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For those who want something with a little more vibration, a hybrid M3 will coexist with the electric one. We expect almost identical styling cues, but then again, this is the first time that the BMW M division is building its own electric product from scratch (the i4 M50 doesn’t really count), so BMW may choose to give the body for each powertrain a few unique styling touches. Unfortunately, while the current G82 BMW M4 is very similar to its G80 M3 sibling, the range may look different for the Neue Klasse.

The M4 Is Reportedly Going All-In On EV Tech

Although yet to be confirmed by official sources, it appears that BMW may only make the next M4 available with all-electric power. According to a recent report from BMWBlog, the electric M4 (codenamed ZA2) will arrive in 2027 without a hybrid alternative. We’d take this report with a grain of salt, however. With the recent news that the M8 Coupe has been killed off in America (with other markets likely to follow in due course), the only remaining M coupe would be the M2.

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BMW Pledges To Stay Honest About Exhaust Tips

It comes at a strange time for the industry’s relationship with exhaust.

As big as the M2 has become (with its underpinnings shared by the M3/M4 pair), it can’t fill the M4’s shoes. There have been reports that the 6 Series moniker will return, but that’s got the opposite problem, being too big and luxurious. The solution? Reports from 2022 claimed that the 4 and 8 Series lineups would merge to form the next 6er. Of course, plenty could change between now and the electric M3’s launch (expected for 2026), and BMW could well decide to keep the M4’s combustion engine around a little longer. We’ll just have to be patient.