By Jake Groves
Updated: 13 June 2026
► BMW M Concept Neue Klasse revealed
► Gives us our first look at an electric M3
► Unveiled during Le Mans 24h weekend
Yes, this is our first official glimpse at what an electric M3 will eventually look like; welcome to the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse.
It’s the first time we’ve seen anything properly translate M division design cues and performance demands onto the Neue Klasse era of cars that have kicked off with the iX3 SUV and i3 saloon.
Is it right to say that this is a relatively restrained design for an M car, given recent efforts? The brand’s ‘shark nose’ and Neue Klasse-spec black panelling for the lighting all remain, albeit with a much chunkier front end. As well as a squat stance, honeycomb wheel designs and a large vent in the bonnet, the M Concept Neue Klasse also benefits from a whale tail built into its tailgate.
Inside, it’s very familiarly like the i3 saloon, but with plenty of M-flavoured sprinkles. As well as what look like rather unforgiving race-spec seats with five-point harnesses, BMW is keen to point out the chunky shift paddles on the steering wheel.
What we do know is that the electric M3 will use a four-motor power configuration, with something called ‘M Dynamic Performance Control’ acting as the car’s dynamic brain – similar to the Heart of Joy used in regular Neue Klasse models. That will enable power figures that could reach well into four figures, as well as provide adjustable torque vectoring for tyre-shredding slides.
Naturally, like the regular BMW Neue Klasse models, the M Concept uses a 100kWh battery pack running on 800-volt electronics for quick charging times. But M engineers say the battery has been optimised for performance car purposes, meaning better durability under high stress.
While this M Concept Neue Klasse has been revealed at the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans, we’re likely to see the real electric M3 towards the end of 2026, perhaps early 2027.
By Jake Groves
CAR's news editor; gamer, trainer freak and serial Lego-ist
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