BMW’s electric M3, likely called the iM3, is coming quite soon. The brand showed off a near-production example a couple of months ago, and testing is continuing at the Nürburgring, as shown by these spy photos. While it would be easy to assume that the iM3 will be on par with the eventual gas-powered M3 in performance, it’s entirely possible this electric BMW will far exceed it, as the fastest EVs at the ‘Ring are sedans, too.
In fact, the driver of the iM3 in these photos was pushing it hard to stay in front of a recent record-holder.
BMW iM3 prototype from the front three-quarter angleCarBuzz / Valnet
These photos show the iM3 at a corner of the ‘Ring that you may recognize from highlight reels on YouTube by channels such as AutoAddiction. It’s not uncommon for drivers to get a little sideways and sometimes end up in the gravel. On entry, the iM3 looked pretty stable and planted, as you can see in the first few photos from our spy photographer.
We also get a solid look at some of the iM3’s defining details thanks to the nice lighting. The pointy hood and big heat-extracting vent and punched-up fenders really stand out.
BMW iM3 prototype from the rear three-quarter angleCarBuzz / Valnet
About halfway through the corner, though, it’s clear that the driver was carrying a little extra speed as the weight shifts and some countersteer starts coming in. We also get a better look at the back, which shows the tail looking a little more restrained than on the concept with a more subtle rear spoiler and diffuser.
BMW iM3 prototype from the rearCarBuzz / Valnet
A hint of tire smoke haze and some fresh tire tracks show that the driver was getting the wheels spun up. So even though the driver wasn’t using a huge amount of opposite lock, they were working the car pretty hard.
BMW iM3 prototype leads a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra at the NurburgringCarBuzz / Valnet
Finally, we get a look at what the driver was staying ahead of: a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. Until this year, the Xiaomi was the fastest production EV at the Nürburgring with a time of 7:04.957. It even beat the Rimac Nevera electric supercar. The only faster EV now is the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, and only then after being equipped with the Weissach and Manthey upgrade packages that reduce weight and add aerodynamic assistance.
BMW iM3 prototype from the sideCarBuzz / Valnet
Considering what we know so far about the iM3, we won’t be surprised to see it take on the Xiaomi or the Porsche. Based on other prototypes, the iM3 should have four motors, allowing for between 700 and 1,300 horsepower. Plus, they’ll allow the car to do some tricky things with power distribution in corners. We also expect it to be able to handle at least a few laps of anger thanks to a battery with more than 100 kWh of capacity.
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Even though BMW wasn’t specifically testing against the Xiaomi this time, the appearance together is a reminder of what the new iM3 will be capable of. BMW’s staple sports sedan won’t just be aiming at similar four-door cars, it’ll be taking on the fastest EVs in the world, regardless of door count.
We can’t wait to see some real lap times from BMW’s secret little supercar.
