BMW M3 Neue Klasse EV Teased – Quad-Motor EV with Up to 1,000 HP

First images of a BMW M prototype based on the Neue Klasse EV have surfaced; could this potentially be the new M3 EV?

It is no secret that BMW is in the midst of developing a new 3 Series model and its subsequent performance version, the M3, based on the Vision Neue Klasse concept unveiled prior. What may seem like a distance apart could be closer, as BMW M has silently dropped teaser images of a new prototype that might be the new, all-electric M3.

Published via BMW M’s official website and Instagram page, said images are accompanied by a quote by BMW M’s development boss, Dirk Häcker, which reads, “Electrification opens up completely new degrees of freedom for us to create M-typical dynamics.”

Back to the images, this BMW M prototype appears to feature similar design cues and proportions as the Neue Klasse concept, albeit with some sporty and more aggressive due to its wider tracks and the lightweight alloy wheels shod in high-performance tyres. Despite being wrapped in this M-specific camouflage wrap, which is another giveaway that this is a BMW M model, said prototype also comes with some EV-specific design touches like the flushed door handles and the absence of a tailpipe at the rear.

Aside from the images, not much detail was shed regarding this mysterious M prototype. Rumours have suggested that the M3 EV might be powered by a quad-motor electric powertrain setup that can deliver up to 1,000 HP, plus some trick electronics such as advanced torque vectoring and a rear-wheel steering (RWS) system, to name a few.

This BMW M i4 EV Prototype unveiled prior is said to feature the same quad-motor setup as the upcoming M3 EV.

While the supposed M3 EV has yet to be officially revealed, we’ve already got a glimpse of its quad-motor powertrain performance, courtesy of the manic BMW i4 shown in a video published prior. And just like the newly-teased M3 prototype, the i4 prototype also comes draped in the same M-specific camouflage wrap while featuring performance-specific upgrades such as flared-out fenders to house the car’s wider tracks, as well as M carbon ceramic brakes.

BMW is no stranger to developing its own electric motors, with the automaker previously partnering with tech start-up DeepDrive to develop a new in-wheel motor technology that offers more performance and efficiency in a much more compact and lighter package compared to conventional e-motors.