We certainly live in an interesting timeline. BMW now has two full-fledged M cars with plug-in hybrid equipment and is working on another that will completely dispense with the combustion engine. While the regular i3 “NA0” electric sedan hasn’t been revealed yet, its M sibling has become a familiar sight at the Nürburgring.
New spy photos taken near the challenging Green Hell show an electric M3 “ZA0” prototype parked during a lunch break at the BMW M test center in Nürburg. The test car has a Gen6 battery with round cells, but its exact capacity is unknown. For reference, the new iX3 50 xDrive uses a 108.7 kWh battery, which will likely also power the i3.
Could the M division shrink it to reduce the weight penalty compared to the petrol M3? It’s possible, but it’s too early to tell. Either way, BMW knows that traditionalists will always prefer an internal combustion engine. An M3 “G84” with an in-line six-cylinder is also being developed for them. However, this too will likely be electrified to meet stricter emissions regulations. No, not with a plug-in hybrid like its big brother M5, but with a mild hybrid “S58”.
Spy photos suggest that the two M3 variants will share much of their design. Since styling is subjective, this can be good news or bad news depending on your personal taste. We are fans of the new iX3 and are confident that the design of the New Class will be even better in sedans. Under the skin, the two M3s will be completely different. The “ZA0” will ride on a dedicated EV platform, which explains its shorter nose compared to the CLAR-based “G84.”
While the petrol M3 is rumored to come exclusively with all-wheel drive, the electric M3 could come onto the market as a rear-wheel drive model. Aside from the design and iDrive X, the two may have more in common. According to reports, the “G84” will not offer a manual transmission, meaning both versions will be automatic only.
For now, there’s still time to buy an M3 with three pedals. Production of the “G80” is reportedly set to end in February 2027, with the more practical “G81” Touring following in October of the same year. Expect order books to close several months ahead of these dates.
If you’re ready for an electric M3, this is expected to arrive first. The “ZA0” could go into production in Munich as early as March 2027, the “G84” is supposedly to be produced in Dingolfing from July 2028. Of the two M3 variants, only the electric variant will receive a station wagon version with the code name “ZA1”.
