BMW M Reaches Millionth Vehicle Milestone in Munich with Orange M3
The millionth BMW M car has rolled off the production line at the Munich plant, marked by a symbolic BMW M3 finished in Fire Orange III, according to a report by Latvian automotive portal iAuto.lv. The milestone arrives more than five decades after the founding of the BMW M division and establishes a bridge to the brand’s next era of vehicle architecture.
Alongside the celebration, BMW announced plans to assemble the first fully electric BMW M3 at the Munich facility alongside the upcoming i3. The production model of the battery-electric M3 is scheduled for a public debut in 2027.
Electric M3 Prototype Features Four Motors and 100 kWh Battery
BMW demonstrated a masked prototype of the upcoming electric M3 during the milestone event, revealing design cues shared with both the i3 and the M Concept Neue Klasse, iAuto.lv reported. The battery-electric performance saloon will use a four-motor layout paired with all-wheel drive.
The system includes a decoupling function for the front axle, allowing the vehicle to run exclusively on rear-wheel drive when conditions require it. Energy will be supplied by a bespoke battery pack providing more than 100 kWh of usable capacity.
The head of BMW M stated that while the quad-motor powertrain could theoretically produce upwards of 1,000 horsepower, the production version will target a lower output. Unofficial estimates place the final output between 700 and 800 horsepower, exceeding the figures of the current internal-combustion M3.
Munich Factory Re-Tooling for Exclusive EV Production by 2027
BMW is investing roughly 650 million euros to convert the Munich manufacturing plant into an all-electric assembly site. The modernization project includes the construction of a new body shop alongside upgrades to vehicle assembly lines and logistics infrastructure. The factory is scheduled to transition entirely to electric vehicle production starting in 2027.
Despite the plant-wide shift toward electrification, BMW confirmed it will retain an internal-combustion M3 powered by a straight-six petrol engine. The next-generation combustion model will not use a plug-in hybrid setup and is expected to arrive no earlier than 2028, according to the head of BMW M.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New BMW M Lineup
When will the fully electric BMW M3 go into production?
The production version of the fully electric BMW M3 is scheduled to be revealed in 2027, with manufacturing taking place at the modernized Munich plant alongside the electric i3.
What is the battery and motor configuration of the electric M3?
The electric M3 will feature four electric motors, all-wheel drive with a disconnectable front axle for rear-wheel-drive operation, and a battery pack offering more than 100 kWh of usable capacity.
Will BMW continue to sell a petrol-powered M3 alongside the electric model?
Yes, BMW confirmed a next-generation M3 featuring a traditional straight-six petrol engine will be retained, with a planned release date no earlier than 2028.
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