BMW Previews the First Electric M3 with Radical M Concept Neue Klasse

At the 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend, BMW has revealed the M Neue Klasse Concept, previewing the first-ever electric M3. Just like the current G80 M3 that heads to the scrapyard in the sky after the 2027 model year, it's going to have both fans and haters. But while controversy is inevitable when introducing an electric take on a beloved high-performance nameplate, this concept's styling is likely to be less divisive than the G80 was when it arrived, with the vertical, coffin-shaped grilles being scrapped for a more handsome look that is both related to that of the elegant new i3 sedan and simultaneously much more aggressive. We're glad it's not as wacky as the Vision Driving Experience test vehicle, but as another concept, it's safe to assume that some elements will still be toned down for the production car.

BMW M Concept Neue Klasse Exterior Is Extreme

Each end of the M Concept Neue Klasse is inspired by trimaran multi-hull racing sailboats, with the central section of the sharknose front end acting as a support for the chunky splitter. At the back, the same function is performed for the floating diffuser, which is just fantastic in its flat-planed extremism and size. As with the i3, the headlights and kidney 'grille' are a single element, but here, they feature M Yellow Lights in a new design, with an M logo on the driver side. Yellow daytime running lights are a relatively new design trope for BMW, first appearing on the exquisite F90 M5 CS and later on other CS models, but going forward, they'll be used for all BMW M products as a direct nod to both GT racing and the M Hybrid V8 LMDh racecar competing at Le Mans. While not confirmed as a feature of future M cars, the dual lighting elements on each corner of each fascia, dubbed Track Lights, are also likely to become an M-specific signature. Another important element of an M car is the wing mirror, and here, it has real motorsport flavor, with a thin stalk extending outward. The mirrors have winglets that will help channel airflow, some of which will be picked up by the wing-shaped door handles. The M tricolor accents are a bit kitschy, but at least carbon fiber is finally falling out of fashion, with all the elements that would usually be adorned with the lightweight weave now made of natural fiber composite. That includes the splitter, V-shaped hood cooling vent, diffuser, and roof panel, which also gets tricolor highlights.

Massively bulging fenders on all four corners are dramatic, but a quick look at spy shots of the electric M3 confirms that the rear doors will not be integrated with these aggressive arches, so the production car will be less overt. Disappointing, but cost-effective, letting the M3 share door panels with the regular 3er. Unlike every generation since the E46, there's no vent, fake or otherwise, behind the front wheel, but the E30-like fenders make more of an impact. Further back, the concept has a significant integrated ducktail spoiler with a recess in the middle, with more sharply defined graphics in the darkened taillights compared to the i3. Then we have the waffle-weave wheels, which have red center-lock nuts on the driver side and blue on the passenger side. Like the iconic Porsche Carrera GT and many racecars, this is to indicate wheel direction so that the nuts don't loosen themselves under acceleration. An M badge on the C-pillar and AP Racing brakes also feature, and all of this is wrapped up in a newly created Monza Red metallic paint finish that looks simply luscious.

BMW M Neue Klasse Concept Cabin Is Crazy

Like the M5 CS, the interior of the M Neue Klasse Concept boasts four individual bucket seats, but as a concept, BMW has taken the motorsport link further, fitting a roll bar between the B-pillars. The seats are similar in design to today's M Carbon buckets, but again, they feature natural fiber composite and, unlike any road car, occupants are restrained by red five-point harnesses rather than seatbelts. The seats are upholstered in Bathurst Blue and Berry Red Merino leather, and genuine nubuck leather (a more premium choice than Alcantara) appears for the first time in an M car, providing a velvety feel for the steering wheel, door panels, and roll bar. The dashboard, meanwhile, gets a black knit material backlit in the M colors. The view is similar to the i3, but with several M-specific elements, including a red gear selector, red accents on the M steering wheel and paddles, and unique graphics for the Panoramic Vision iDrive system. There's an M badge atop the steering column that we could do without, and we'd still prefer a three-spoke wheel, but the prominent M buttons, noon marker, and tricolor accents should be sporty enough for most.

Final Thoughts: What Will Make Production in the Electric M3

BMW hasn't revealed detailed specifications of this concept, only saying that it's underpinned by an 800-volt platform with a high-voltage battery pack of more than 100 kWh structurally integrated between the axles, using sixth-generation cylindrical cells that have been specially optimized for the M application. The production M3 EV will use the same stuff, though the track may not be quite as wide due to the i3 rear doors. In terms of styling, we expect the headlight 'mask' and the smoked taillights to make production, and probably the so-called Track Lights too. The hood vent, which helps cool the powertrain, seems a bit extreme for something that isn't a special edition, but perhaps extremism will be beneficial in making the EV attractive to traditional M3 buyers.

The fascias won't be as deep or as cartoonized but will share the same sort of trimaran shape, and we expect the wing mirrors to be a slightly toned-down take on those seen here, while the tricolor motif on the roof will be dropped. Hopefully. The center-lock wheels seem unlikely, especially since the EV will have roughly the same asking price as the next-gen M3 mild-hybrid with a six-cylinder, and we wouldn't be surprised if the ducktail spoiler goes missing or is heavily toned down so that BMW can use it on CS and/or CSL versions of the electric M car later on. Inside, the four-seat layout will be ditched for a rear bench, but the front seats will likely be similar in style, minus the harnesses. Finally, the dash and graphics will be almost identical. So is this a hit? Has BMW found its design mojo? And is the world ready for an electric M3? Let us know below.

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