The BMW electric M3 concept is getting more dynamic testing ahead of its planned production debut in 2027. After making its dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the M Concept Neue Klasse has now tackled the Tutto Bene Hill Climb in Italy.
BMW Electric M3 Concept Takes on Monte Mottarone
The event was held on the Strada Borromea near Gignese, above Lake Maggiore. The route covers roughly 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) and climbs almost 800 meters (2,625 feet) toward the summit of Monte Mottarone.
Tutto Bene is not a traditional hill climb focused primarily on lap times. The event is deliberately centered on style, fun and good vibes, making the M Concept Neue Klasse a fitting participant.
BMW also entered the M3 Touring 24H as M’s official participant. The electric concept was not entered as a race car, but BMW still sent the prototype up the mountain for dynamic running through the course.
The Electric M3 Previews the ZA0
The M Concept Neue Klasse serves as a preview of BMW’s first electric M3, internally known as the ZA0. BMW has confirmed that the production car is coming in 2027, while company officials have said it will remain remarkably faithful to the concept’s design.
That includes the concept’s aggressive proportions, flared wheel arches, square lights, natural-fiber body parts and other motorsport-inspired details.
BMW M’s engineers have developed a quad-motor setup for the electric M3, with one motor driving each wheel. The zero-emission sports sedan will also use a dedicated battery pack with more than 100 kWh of usable energy.
BMW has not yet revealed final output figures for the production car, but estimates point to more than 800 horsepower. The production model will also feature simulated gear changes, another part of its approach to the electric M3 driving experience.
BMW Shows Electric and Combustion M3s
Watching the electric M3 concept attack a series of tight bends provides a different view of BMW’s approach to its first electric M3 than seeing the car stationary at an auto show.
The Italian hill climb also brought together two sides of BMW M’s future. The electric M Concept Neue Klasse took on the mountain while the combustion-powered M3 Touring 24H represented the brand’s racing DNA.
BMW M’s combustion-engine lineup will continue as well, with the sedan (G84) and wagon (G88) featuring an inline-six coming later this decade.
