BMW M to Unveil All-Electric Performance Sedan Based on i3

BMW M will officially unveil a new all-electric performance sedan on June 12. The vehicle was spotted and photographed earlier this week ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. A teaser video released by BMW confirms that the new model will feature an entirely new design language, marking the beginning of a new era for electric performance and driving dynamics. According to multiple sources, the car is based on the new i3 but has undergone more aggressive performance-oriented modifications by BMW M, resulting in a significantly wider body than the standard i3. The front fascia features distinctive yellow dual daytime running lights, paying homage to BMW’s racing heritage, and rectangular white lighting elements on the front bumper inspired by the upcoming 2026-spec M Hybrid V8 endurance racer. The side mirrors are mounted further outward compared to those on the regular i3. Certain body panels may be made from natural-fiber composite materials—a sustainable alternative to carbon fiber that BMW has confirmed is production-ready and capable of reducing manufacturing emissions. Notably, the vehicle does not use the pop-out door handles found on the standard-wheelbase i3 nor the semi-flush handles of the long-wheelbase i3 sold in China; instead, the rear door handles appear integrated into the “Hofmeister kink” area of the rear side windows. To date, BMW has not named the car the M3, and industry observers widely believe it is not the production version of the fully electric M3 (codenamed ZA0) expected to launch in 2027.