BMW is revving up for an exciting future with the announcement of several new models, including the much-anticipated electric versions of its iconic M3 sedan.
Recently, at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este held in Italy, BMW unveiled its sleek new Skytop V-8 roadster concept. The company plans to lift it from concept to reality, with only 50 limited units available—each already claimed, indicating strong demand before the official production even begins. While BMW has yet to announce the price, the specifications certainly pique interest. The Skytop will run on the same platform as the luxurious 8-Series Convertible and is powered by the same potent 617-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 found in the M8 Competition Convertible.
What's especially fascinating about the Skytop is its design—notably, there’s not one common body panel shared with the 8-Series. Instead, it’s inspired by legendary BMW roadsters from the past, like the 503 and 507. Gone is the typical convertible roof; instead, the Skytop features targa-style roof panels, adding to its unique charm. BMW's design chief, Adrian van Hooydonk, expressed excitement about such limited-production models, hinting at the possibility of more classic-inspired designs down the road.
This trend of offering exclusive, limited-production vehicles isn’t new to the luxury car market. Brands like Ferrari and Rolls-Royce have dabbled with this practice for years, but mainstream manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz are hopping on the exclusive bandwagon too. Mercedes recently revealed plans for its own series of limited-production cars, dubbed the Mythos series. Among these is rumored to be a speedster variant based on the SL-Class convertible.
Shifting gears, the next chapter for BMW's famed M3 lineup focuses on sustainability and modern tech. The head of BMW’s M division, Frank van Meel, confirmed to automotive enthusiasts at Bimmer Today the plan to introduce two distinct versions of the M3. One will feature the roar of gasoline, sustaining the classic inline-6 engine BMW enthusiasts have come to love, which continues the brand's legacy, and the other will switch gears entirely with fully electric power.
The electric version is set to boast impressive specifications, featuring four motors and peak power projected to soar as high as 1,341 horsepower. If that's not impressive enough, prototypes testing on public roads have already begun, marking the intense progress BMW is making toward this ambitious model.
Meanwhile, rest assured petrolheads, the traditional M3 isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. BMW plans to keep the current twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine active for years, as engineers are diligently working to meet European emissions regulations. While the electric variant may outshine the gas model's power, the lighter weight of the combustion engine variant is expected to deliver just as much excitement on the road.
Under the company’s new approach, the electric M3 is projected to utilize BMW’s cutting-edge Neue Klasse dedicated EV platform. This shift is indicative of the automaker's commitment to electric mobility. Following its launch, the first variant, likely named iX3, will make its global debut next year, initiating the thrill of electric BMW vehicles. This will continue with the introduction of the electric 3-Series, possibly branded as i3, estimated to hit the market by 2026, with the electric M3 somewhere around 2027.
One particularly intriguing aspect of the electric M3 is the potential for simulated gear shifts, similar to features seen with Hyundai, wherein drivers will feel the acceleration and speed without having to take their eyes off the road. Frank van Meel pointed out how this innovative feature could be beneficial during the highly focused moments of track racing.
This blend of classic car vibes with modern electrification is what BMW hopes will keep its legacy alive—merging the joy of driving with the eco-consciousness of today’s world. The limited production of its concept cars like the Skytop and the introduction of electric powerhouse models like the new M3 highlight BMW’s commitment to embracing its storied history among luxury vehicles, all the whilst keeping its eye squarely on the future.
