First Look: Electric BMW M3 Spied Testing With Wide Tires and 1,000 kW!

BMW is charging into the electric future with something truly bold—a fully electric version of the iconic BMW M3. Internally codenamed ZA0, this upcoming model has been spotted testing with wide fenders wrapped around 20-inch wheels, mounted with Michelin high-performance tires sized 275/35 at the front and 295/35 at the rear. That kind of grip is necessary, especially when instant torque from an electric powertrain meets the pavement.

Even though it still wears temporary lighting, the prototype gives away a lot. You will notice pop-out door handles designed for better airflow and a charging port tucked into the rear quarter panel on the passenger side. At the rear, the familiar Hofmeister kink hides beneath thick camouflage, suggesting that BMW will continue honoring its heritage even as it moves forward.

That kink traces back to Wilhelm Hofmeister’s era, a legendary design head at BMW between 1955 and 1970. He introduced it in the early 1960s with the BMW 1500 and 3200 CS, which kicked off the Neue Klasse range. Fast-forward to today, and the Neue Klasse is making a comeback—this time as an electric platform forming the basis for future models like the i3 sedan (NA0) and i3 Touring (NA1).

Production for these electric Neue Klasse models is scheduled to begin in July 2026 at the Munich plant in Germany, with a United States release likely set for the 2027 model year. North American production will follow from the San Luis Potosi factory in Mexico.

As for the electric M3? It is expected to arrive a little later, potentially as a 2028 model year car. It has been previewed by a quad-motor prototype named Nadine and could deliver up to 1,341 horsepower—that is 1,000 kilowatts of raw performance. BMW has already said that this level of output is possible from the Neue Klasse platform.

While such extreme power numbers sound exciting, BMW might choose a more balanced setup for the final production version. For now, no details about a single-motor configuration have surfaced, but BMW fans can still look forward to a traditional internal combustion M3 as well. The new generation is confirmed to launch alongside its electric sibling and might feature a new six-cylinder engine, possibly with mild hybrid technology.

BMW’s commitment to offering both electric and gasoline-powered M3 variants speaks to its belief in performance diversity. Whether you want near-silent torque or the thrill of a revving six-cylinder engine, the future of the M3 is shaping up to deliver the best of both worlds.