BMW to retain legendary M3 name for its first electric sports sedan

14.07.2026 | Cars

BMW has officially confirmed that its next electric sports car will carry the iconic M3 name. Learn more about the brand's plans and the future of internal combustion engines.

Снимка от MB-one, Wikimedia Commons, под лиценз CC BY-SA 4.0

The electric future of the M3 legend

BMW has put an end to speculation regarding the name of its upcoming electric sports sedan. Despite persistent rumors about the iM3 designation, the head of BMW M, Frank van Meel, confirmed: the model will be called M3.

"The M3 has always been the M3. Regardless of the engine – whether it is a 4, 6, or 8-cylinder – that is the spirit of the model. The electric version is no exception," asserts van Meel.

Two paths for the M3: Electric and gasoline

This means that fans of the brand will have a choice between the classic sports experience with an internal combustion engine and revolutionary electric power. The electric version is expected to offer over 600 hp and innovative technologies such as virtual sound systems.

What's next for the 3 Series?

In addition to the top-tier M3 versions, BMW plans to expand the range with the M350 xDrive model, which will combine the dynamics of the M division with the proven B58 engine. For fans of electric mobility, an intermediate variant is also being prepared – the i3 M60 xDrive.

With these moves, BMW clearly shows that the transition to electrification will not erase the 40-year history of the M3, but rather develop it in new directions.