2027 BMW M3 EV and petrol ‘twins’ to arrive with similar pricing

The next-generation BMW M3 is set to go electric but it won’t abandon petrol power entirely just yet.

BMW has confirmed it will offer both a fully electric (EV) M3 and a new internal combustion-engined (ICE) version side-by-side when the next generation arrives around 2027, with pricing for the two expected to sit “in the same ballpark”.

The electric version was recently spied testing and is expected to be based on the same Neue Klasse platform previewed by the i3 sedan. However, the electric M3 is shaping up to be a major leap forward in raw performance. 

Early reports out of Europe suggest the EV M3 will feature a quad-motor setup – one motor per wheel – with outputs approaching 1000bhp (746kW), putting its straight-line performance firmly into supercar territory.

Despite that shift, BMW is making it clear the traditional formula isn’t going anywhere. A new petrol-powered M3 will continue alongside the EV, riding on an updated version of the current 3 Series’ CLAR architecture, albeit with styling influenced by the Neue Klasse design language, first seen on the iX3.

According to BMW M sales boss Sylvia Neubauer, the goal is to give buyers genuine choice without compromising the essence of what makes a BMW M car.

“It’s not only about acceleration and power, it’s about drivability, manoeuvrability and that level of trust and connection between the driver, car and road,” said Neubauer. 

“With a high-performance BEV, you need to be able to trust it every millisecond, and the car is so convincing.”

BMW acknowledges not every existing M customer will be ready to switch to electric, particularly among traditional enthusiasts. However, it believes firsthand experience will be key to winning some over, with plans for drive programmes aimed at current owners.

“Obviously we will not convince 100 per cent of petrolheads to go electric,” said Neubauer. “But if people try it, we’re confident some will be convinced. And for everyone else, we’ll still provide combustion engines.”

BMW says the two versions will be closely aligned in design and positioning, describing them as “twins”, despite the fundamental powertrain differences under the skin.

“But it’s always a BMW M,” Neubauer added. “When we talk about the M3, it’s the M3 no matter the drivetrain. The driving experience must be true – and you decide if you want EV or ICE.”

The BMW M3 range is currently offered with a choice of sedan and touring models. The arrival of a near-750kW electric M3 alongside a new petrol model signals a pivotal moment not just for BMW’s performance division, but for the future of performance cars more broadly. 

A high-powered electric M3 alongside a new petrol model is likely to be a key test of how many local enthusiasts are willing to switch from a petrol to electrified performance car.