BMW M reinforces idea of the electric M3 with new Concept Neue Klasse

BMW revealed the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse during the 24h of Le Mans, this Friday (12), anticipating the design style of the future electric M3. The prototype features a vibrant red paint job - in homage to the launch color of the first M3 (E30) -, extremely wide wheel arches and a bold front design.

BMW has been working for some time on a high-performance version of the upcoming i3, which will serve as an electric alternative to the iconic M3 sports sedan. In January, BMW released some technical details, and now we have a much better idea of what the dubbed "iM3" will look like when it arrives in 2027.

BMW M Concept Neue Klasse - Enes Kucevic
BMW says the concept "showcases the new BMW M design language and sends a clear signal for the brand's all-electric future", and the concept is clearly based on the i3 sedan, which will go on sale later this year. The sharp front end is accentuated by sharp body lines and protruding rear fenders, giving it a very imposing appearance.

At the front, the headlights and the double grille are joined, forming two horizontal elements divided by a body-colored strip, above which is the BMW emblem. Inside the headlights, two yellow light strips imitate the light cluster of the M Hybrid V8 racing model, which competes in Le Mans. These yellow lights, previously exclusive to CS versions of M vehicles, will now be a standard feature on future high-performance models in the M range.

BMW M Concept Neue Klasse - Enes Kucevic
At the bottom, the front bumper features large air intakes, with a shape apparently inspired by high-speed multihull sailboats. A protrusion at the outer edge of the bumper houses a pair of square daytime running lights, and BMW says these Track Lights will become a signature feature of future M models. There's also a prominent front splitter and air vent inside the V-shaped recess in the hood.

The rear echoes the front with a similar bumper design, which features deep cutouts above the rear diffuser, again flanked by square LED lights. The concept also sports a ducktail spoiler, and the BMW emblem is positioned in a notch between the taillights.

BMW claims that the front splitter, hood air outlet and diffuser are all made from natural fiber elements. The car is painted in a new shade called Monza Red, which pays homage to the launch color of the first generation M3 (E30), from 1986.

Stacked from 23 images. Method=A (R=4,S=4) - Enes Kucevic
Inside, the cabin sports the same Neue Klasse infotainment system seen in the iX3, i3 and the refreshed 2027 7 Series, featuring a narrow screen at the base of the windshield that extends across the entire width of the dashboard and a parallelogram-shaped multimedia center angled towards the driver.

The biggest change in the Concept M Neue Klasse are the four bucket seats, covered in leather in Bathurst Blue and Berry Red. They have five-point seat belts, but these probably won't be in the production car, which must have conventional seat belts.

BMW also claims that, for the first time on an M vehicle, it has used black nubuck leather, a type of leather that is sanded or polished externally to create a velvety texture. The material appears on the steering wheel, door panels and roll bar, while the instrument panel features a black fabric with hexagonal lighting.

The center console has also been redesigned with a thinner and simpler design, and the gear selector is finished in red, matching the gearshift paddles behind the steering wheel. The digital interface has also been improved for the M line.

BMW M Concept Neue Klasse - Enes Kucevic
In January, BMW revealed that the iM3 will feature four electric motors, one for each wheel, and BMW M Dynamic Performance Control software will help determine the best way to distribute power between the wheels. BMW also stated that the car will have an 800-volt architecture, allowing for rapid recharging, and that a battery with a capacity of more than 100 kWh will provide ample autonomy.

How much does a BMW electric car cost in Brazil?

Source: CNN