It is no longer a secret that BMW is preparing an electric M3. Several high-ranking M officers have confirmed that a super sedan is traveling without an incinerated engine. Heck, there are even spy photos and videos. Sources near Munich say that it could arrive under the internal code name “ZA0” in 2027. According to reports, there is also an electric M4 (“ZA2”) in development, whereby a publication is expected at some point after 2028.
As expected, the competition does not stand still. Mercedes-AMG has publicly recognized that it has considered a high-performance two-door coupé. However, it has not yet been approved because consideration that such a model may not attract enough buyers to justify the development costs. AMG boss Michael Schieben told Autocar The technology is finished, but it arises whether there is sufficient market demand.
AMG’s reluctance is understandable. The demand for the C63 dropped strongly when the latest generation was centered with a plug-in hybrid setup by a tiny four-cylinder engine. Affalterbach’s customers prefer the brake engines with great insurance, so that the sale of an electric coupé can prove difficult. Nevertheless, Schiebe indicated that it may receive approval as a “brand shift”, even if the demand remains modest.
If an electric sports coupé receives green light, it does not replace the petrol -amg -gt -GT. Sliding confirmed that Mercedes’ performance arm continues to invest in the ice drive and is kept in the line -up until the 2030s. Reports indicate that BMW will take a different route with the M4 because another combined 4 generation is unlikely. That would mean that today’s G82 does not receive a direct replacement.
The Electric M4 will drive on the new class platform and debut with almost 700 hp, or so we heard. BMW could start with a rear-wheel drive version, while a dual engine XDRIVE setup later is a strong option in the model cycle. Even if Munich retires the gas-powered M4, the inline-Six survives until the next decade. The “S58” is adapted to meet the regulations of Euro 7, the same for the larger “S68” V8.
Like BMW M, says Schieben that Mercedes-AMG remains “flexible” with regard to the variety of drives. In addition to six- and eight-cylinder models, the three-point star offers powerful electric vehicles. In a similar way, BMW will sell the electric M3 in addition to the inline-SIX-M3 “G84”, which may have a mild hybrid system for compliance with strict emission regulations.
BMW extends the M electrical installation of M3 and M4. We have already reported the potential for an M3 touring (“ZA1”), an X3 m (“ZA5”) and even an X4 m (“ZA7”). All purely electrically.
Source: AutoCar
