BMW’s menacing new EV concept offers an early look at the first electric M3 [Images]

BMW unveiled the M Concept Neue Klasse on Friday, offering a sneak peek at the all-electric quad-motor i3 M EV.

BMW is preparing to launch the first all-electric M3 EV

The BMW M Concept made its global debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on Friday, showcasing the luxury brand’s new design for its upcoming performance EVs.

“The new BMW M design language forms the expressive spearhead of the Neue Klasse,” BMW M boss Oliver Heilmer said, adding that the project is “truly special to me because it carries the BMW M character into a new era.”

That new era will begin in 2027, starting with the electric BMW M3. The M concept clearly has a much more aggressive look and stance than the standard i3, with a modified front end and added M features.

Up front, BMW’s Neue Klasse headlamps and kidney grille are fused into one, while the trimaran-style bumper helps improve aerodynamics.

The trimaran design and new three-dimensional Track Lights will be a signature on BMW’s upcoming M performance EVs.

Moving to the rear, it adopts the same trimaran design and Track Lights with a massive ducktail spoiler.

Inside, the cabin is “geared towards the driving experience in a next-generation all-electric BMW M,” the company said, featuring four new bucket seats and natural-fiber materials.

For the first time in an M model, BMW used black nubuck leather on the steering wheel, door panels, and roll bar.

BMW added exclusive M hexagonal backlighting to the floating dashboard, red accents on the M gear selector and shift paddles on the M steering wheel, and in the digital display, enhancing the sporty cabin design.

Earlier this year, BMW confirmed the upcoming M EV will be equipped with four electric motors and BMW M Dynamic Performance Control.

Leveraging its Gen6 tech, BMW designed the new M eDrive specifically for its upcoming all-electric performance vehicles.

The drivetrain includes four electric motors that power each wheel independently. Each electric motor is controlled by M-specific software, a variation of its Neue Klasse “Heart of Joy” ECUs, and its M Dynamic Performance Control.

While the company has yet to reveal specifics, BMW said the electric drive units are “the most powerful drives BMW M has ever used.”

The 800-volt architecture and 100+ kWh high-voltage battery “create conditions for long range capability,” BMW said, but again, no specifics were offered.

BMW will launch the first all-electric M performance vehicle in 2027, which is expected to be named i3 M when it arrives. With its official debut just around the corner, we should learn more soon. Check back for the latest updates.