First Electric BMW M3 Will Feature Four Motors And A Simulated Gearbox
The transition to electrification is reaching the highest levels of automotive performance with the upcoming all-electric version of the iconic BMW M3. This new model will be built on the highly anticipated Neue Klasse platform which is designed to redefine the brand’s future. Engineers are currently testing prototypes that utilize a radical quad-motor setup to deliver unprecedented control and power. Each wheel will have its own dedicated electric motor which allows for precise torque vectoring that combustion engines simply cannot match. This setup promises to maintain the driving dynamics that enthusiasts expect from the M division.
One of the most controversial yet intriguing features confirmed for this vehicle is the inclusion of a simulated gearbox. While electric vehicles typically operate with a single-speed transmission that requires no shifting, BMW M executives believe that driver engagement is paramount. The system will artificially interrupt power delivery to mimic the feeling of changing gears in a traditional high-performance car. This technology aims to bridge the gap between mechanical interaction and digital efficiency. It follows a similar philosophy seen in the ‘Ioniq 5 N’ where simulated shifts provide physical feedback during acceleration.
Frank van Meel, the CEO of BMW M, has been vocal about the reasoning behind this decision during recent interviews. He explains that on a racetrack, drivers rely on audio and physical cues to judge their speed and entry points for corners. Without the rising sound of an engine or the jolt of a gear shift, it can be difficult to gauge momentum without constantly looking at the speedometer. The simulated shifting acts as a communication tool that helps the driver stay connected to the machine’s limits. This feedback loop is considered essential for an M car to feel authentic on a circuit.
The powertrain itself is expected to produce a staggering amount of power, with reports suggesting output could reach into four-digit horsepower figures. A high-performance battery pack with a capacity exceeding 100 kWh will supply energy to the four motors. This battery is integrated directly into the chassis to improve structural rigidity and lower the center of gravity. The 800-volt architecture will allow for rapid charging times which is crucial for track days where downtime needs to be minimized.
Beyond raw speed, the quad-motor configuration enables handling characteristics that were previously impossible. A central control unit often referred to as the Heart of Joy manages the power distribution in milliseconds. This system can instantly adjust torque to any specific wheel to neutralize understeer or induce controlled oversteer. The technology effectively creates a digital limited-slip differential that is infinitely variable and incredibly fast.
As the automotive world waits for the official release around 2027, the debate regarding artificial feedback in electric vehicles continues to grow. Purists often argue that EVs should embrace their inherent smoothness rather than imitating internal combustion engines. However, BMW seems determined to prove that the emotional connection between car and driver does not have to die with the gasoline engine. The success of this electric M3 will likely depend on how convincing these digital simulations feel behind the wheel.
We want to know if you think simulated gearboxes are a necessary feature for driver engagement or just a gimmick, so tell us your thoughts in the comments.
