The BMW M3 EV has been spotted testing on the Nürburgring, revealing new design details and delivering a dramatic four-wheel drift while being pursued by a 1,548-horsepower Xiaomi SU7 Ultra.
BMW M3 EV Spotted With Near-Production Bodywork
As automakers continue testing upcoming models at the Nürburgring, the all-electric BMW M3 has now been caught on the Nordschleife. The prototype features near-production bodywork and several details that were not visible on earlier test cars.
The most dramatic moment came when the electric M3 development driver performed a four-wheel drift while attempting to get away from the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, another high-performance electric sedan.
While the BMW M3 EV is expected to have substantial power, it will not reach the 1,548-horsepower output of the Xiaomi. BMW, however, expects the electric M3 to remain ahead in terms of handling.
Design Draws From the M Vision Neue Klasse
Like its combustion-powered sibling, the electric M3 takes design inspiration directly from the M Vision Neue Klasse concept revealed in June. The connection can be seen in the swollen wheel arches, headlight and taillight shapes, and subtly notched trunk lid spoiler.
The prototype also features a slight recess in the roof that mimics the double-bubble shape associated with slippery racecars. Its wing mirrors are toned-down versions of those seen on the concept.
One new detail is a small M badge positioned halfway down the front doors beneath the vinyl camouflage. This suggests that BMW will not fit fake fender vents behind the front wheel arches, at least on the electric M3.
New Details Point to an Electric M3 Built for Performance
The prototype also shows flush-fitting door handles, swollen arches, chunky side skirts and rectangular elements in the lower front fascia and rear diffuser panel.
Because the electric M3 does not require as much cooling as the gas-powered version, the mask-like section between the headlights is blanked off. Although its shape still resembles the kidney grille intakes found on combustion-powered BMWs, it is not an open grille.
BMW is expected to use its “Iconic Glow” illumination to define this area and provide the high-performance sedan with a distinctive nighttime lighting signature. A newly introduced vent in the “valley” between the two hood bulges is also expected to add to the car’s performance-focused appearance.
Carbon fiber is also expected to be replaced by natural fiber composites.
BMW M3 EV Could Surpass 1,000 Horsepower
According to leaks from a reliable insider, the electric BMW M3’s rear motor setup could produce 751 hp, while the front motor is said to be rated at 644 hp.
Torque figures are also expected to be substantial, with the rear axle reportedly producing 752 lb-ft and the front generating 398 lb-ft. A combined output figure has not yet been revealed, but the reported figures indicate that the electric M3 could easily surpass 1,000 hp.
Electric M3 Reveal Could Come in 2027
More information is expected as the year draws to a close, but the electric M3 is only likely to be revealed in early 2027. The model could arrive for the 2028 model year.
By that point, production of the current G80 M3 will have ended, leaving the BMW M3 EV to represent the next chapter for the high-performance sedan.
