The battery-electric BMW M3 is poised to bypass the 'i' prefix common to the automaker's other electric offerings. The head of BMW's performance M division has confirmed it will simply carry the M3 badge at its 2027 production start.

Frank van Meel informed reporters at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed that the electric variant, offered alongside a combustion-powered M3, will retain its familiar name rather than adopting something new.

This holds true even though the underlying sedan carries the i3 designation, prompting earlier guesses that the electric M3 might debut as an iM3.

Mr van Meel's remarks indicate that electric editions of additional M models, including the M4 along with the larger M5 sedan and wagon, will likewise keep their current designations.

The news follows BMW's unveiling of the M Concept Neue Klasse at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, offering a glimpse of the production electric M3 expected to reach Australian buyers around 2027.

This electric M3 joins an expanding lineup built on the dedicated Neue Klasse electric platform, first seen in the latest iX3 SUV.

In contrast to other Neue Klasse models such as the i3 and iX3, the electric M3 will incorporate a quad-motor electric drivetrain.

BMW has not released power figures, though estimates range from 650hp (485kW) to potentially more than 1000hp (746kW). This positions it below the 860kW Mercedes-AMG GT four-door introduced in May 2026.

Even so, output exceeds that of the current M3 sedan sold in Australia, which delivers 353kW and 550Nm from its S58 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six petrol engine in standard form.

Christian Karg, BMW head of dynamics, noted to Auto Express that horsepower is only part of the equation. The hallmark of M cars lies in their precision, with every model tested at the Nurburgring. Battery-electric vehicles face hurdles in maintaining peak power, managing weight, and preserving a light-footed character true to BMW M heritage.

The electric M3 will appear alongside the combustion model, which like the larger M5 is anticipated to gain hybrid assistance in its next generation without becoming a plug-in hybrid.

The petrol and electric M3 variants will employ distinct platforms tailored to their powertrains.

BMW has indicated the electric version will carry a price close to that of the petrol-hybrid M3, currently listed from $169,600 before on-road costs in Australia.

Earlier this year Mr van Meel confirmed to PistonHeads that the existing S58 engine satisfies upcoming Euro 7 rules, with further details on the next-generation M3 due later in the year.

The BMW M chief also advised CarExpert that plans remain in place to retain the manual transmission offered in the M3, even as power constraints and the absence of an upgraded unit leave its longer-term outlook uncertain.