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Auto Blog
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
The Electric M3 Will Be Unlike Anything You've Ever Seen Before
Reliable Insider Claims Electric M3 Arrives Soon There's a lot to cover here, so let's jump right in. As first spotted by BMW Blog, reliable BMW insider and Bimmer Post user ynguldyn has dropped a bunch of unreleased information concerning the future electric M3, starting with confirmation that the vehicle known by the internal code ZA0 will enter production in March 2027, as was broadly suspected. The post goes on to say that only one version (the sedan) is being produced for the time being, though a wagon is all but certain for whatever version of the M3 comes next. Speaking of sedans, the post says that the electric 3 Series (NA0/NA1) will enter production in July next year with the Iconic Glow front grilles that will eventually give all Bimmers an unmistakable signature, day or night. Much More Power Than Previously Suggested We should note that the images used in this article depict the Vision Driving Experience, a prototype test bed for BMW's 'Heart of Joy' central computer. BMW says this is a one-off that does not inform any future vehicles, though the next generation of Neue Klasse-based M cars will undoubtedly take some styling inspiration from its design. With that out of the way, the next claim (this time from BMW Blog sources) is that the electric M3 will not stay below 700 horsepower, something that had been rumored in order to give vehicles like the G90 M5 and G08 XM some breathing space. They claim that the battery-operated M car will develop between 800 and 900 hp, though the quad-motor system that some speculated would reach the M3 is still likely to be reserved for high-end applications like the aforementioned M5. It should be noted that the Bimmer Post insider says we should 'not expect powertrain specs here until just a few months before [the] start of production.' It's a lot more difficult to lock down a figure that could be changed by a software update in an EV than to determine how much power an engine will make as EPA certification, dyno testing, and other evaluations are carried out. Numerous Options On The Table Let's return to the Bimmer Post claims, which sound entirely plausible. Once again, sportier seats will reportedly be available as an option, but this time, they won't be made of carbon fiber. Instead, the new flax fiber technology that BMW announced as production-ready last week will reportedly be used. M-specific trim elements and head-up display are said to be standard, with more flax fiber in areas that would traditionally be made of carbon composite, like the spoilers, mirrors, and grille inserts. 20-inch wheels will be standard, claims the report, with forged 20s and staggered 20-/21-inch wheels optional alongside carbon-ceramic brakes. What does not appear to be an option is a lightweight roof, with the post claiming that a panoramic sunroof will be shared with the regular 3 Series. Perhaps the inevitable Competition version will address this, since BMW has claimed CO2 emissions reductions of up to 40% with flax fiber versus a similarly sized carbon fiber roof. Finally, for the styling anyway, M-specific headlight graphics are expected. One More Revelation: The Electric M3's Name We've been saving this for the end because it requires a discussion on its own. According to the leak, the electric 3 Series will be called i3 and the electric M3 will wear the iM3 badge. BMW has already begun dropping the 'i' suffix from the badges of its combustion-powered cars – the M340i will soon be the M350, for example – with officials saying that cars with it being sold in the same showroom as EVs with the letter as a prefix were causing confusion among buyers. Therefore, we understand the move with respect to the next 3 Series. It also makes a certain amount of sense for the M3, especially after BMW applied for the iM3 trademark in Europe twice. I wrote the story breaking the news of the application for CarBuzz back in 2023, but almost immediately after the article blew up, Frank van Meel told Top Gear, 'We would never use an i on an M.' That seemed pretty conclusive, but with this new leak claiming otherwise, perhaps BMW has decided that differentiation between EVs and combustion cars matters just as much for M cars as for regular Bimmers. We'll report back once we know more. Given this barrage of information now being leaked, we won't have long to wait. About the Author Sebastian Cenizo View Profile
Miami Herald
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Here's Why BMW Hasn't Pulled The Trigger On M2 xDrive... Yet
Rumors of an xDrive all-wheel-drive version of the BMW M2 first surfaced around two years ago, but so far, there has been no official confirmation from the automaker. The M2 is still only available with rear-wheel drive, unlike the larger M4 Coupe. However, an executive has told BMW Blog that the M2 xDrive is still an option, while also providing a logical reason for why the grippier AWD setup hasn't yet been introduced on the brand's smallest coupe. It all comes down to production timelines and how often new variants of high-performance M models are launched. Dirk Häcker, the head of research and development at BMW M, told BMW Blog that an M2 xDrive "could" still happen. He was specifically asked why the M3 and M4 have the optional xDrive system but the M2 does not, and responded with this: "I think the M3 and M4 CS are in a later stage. We introduced the M2 about two years ago, so we have started with rear-wheel drive. We now offer the M2 CS, and we have a lot of time to the EOP [end of production] of the car. So there could be also ideas to offer for the future of an xDrive system, but there is no final decision." BMW Blog's sources suggest the xDrive model will go into production from August 2026, alongside the current RWD model. While the possible M2 xDrive is expected to be slightly quicker in a straight line and around a track, the current M2 with RWD is unique in its segment. Audi and BMW don't make comparable small sports coupes, and their closest M2 rivals - the RS3 sedan and CLA 45 S Coupe - are exclusively available with AWD. Furthermore, the M2 is available with a six-speed manual, which both of these rivals lack. The M2 xDrive, if it does materialize, is expected to be sold exclusively with BMW's eight-speed automatic transmission. The six-cylinder engine is also unique to the M2. For now, M2 fans will have to settle for RWD, but the new M2 CS at least offers a hefty increase in power to 523 horses. One can only imagine how devastating the M2 CS would be with AWD, and we wouldn't rule out the possibility of such a model in the future. Ultimately, it looks like the best of the current M2 is yet to come. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Miami Herald
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
The Hotter 2027 X5 Will Be Different In Every Single Way
When you're a kid, you think you want the best of everything, and certainly the fastest possible car, but in reality, you want something that doesn't draw attention from cops, isn't too expensive to insure, and won't drain a college fund every time you fill it up - something like the BMW X5 M60i. It still has a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 like the maniacal X5 M, but here, it's supported by mild-hybrid technology to improve efficiency. For the G65 X5, which will likely arrive for the 2027 model year, BMW will take things further by fitting a plug and making it a "real" hybrid. As a result, the name will become X5 M60e, but it comes with some compromises. Since the last time we spotted the next-gen X5, not much has changed, so we'll discuss the looks at the end of this article. What matters is what's happening under the skin, and today's 523-horsepower output won't cut the mustard. Unfortunately, justifying the V8 when trying to make a shift toward cleaner cars is tricky, and BMW Blog reports that the hottest 'regular' X5 will have to do without, switching to a plug-in hybrid six-cylinder like the current M760e limousine. At least it should have "over 550 hp," according to the publication. Even more evidence of Bavaria's ambition to see the X5 stand the tests of time and emissions legislation comes from a recent Autocar report, which cites "high-ranking sources" as saying that the next X5 may get range-extender tech, and it could spread up to the X7 and down to the X3, too. This makes sense. Scout Motors will offer EREVs, and so may the next Kia Telluride, showing that the market is clamouring for more efficient engines as well as EVs that can be used even when a charger isn't nearby. Along with more power and more miles per gallon, the new X5 will still be expected to handle like a BMW, which is how our photographers caught these images at a Nürburgring industry testing day. While little has changed compared to our last sighting, the glass roof is clearer, and these appear to be production wheels. Their design is unlike anything we've seen in the BMW stable before, but big blue brake calipers with the obligatory M logos will ensure we instinctively know what brand made them. Overall, it's very similar to the Vision Neue Klasse X concept, and we think that'll make for a handsome face. We can also see some slight boxing around the arches, which will add presence, and a the rear, a quartet of exhaust pipes achieves the same, though the eventual G95 X5 M will surely turn things up to 11. The sculpted mirror housings on this development mule look production-ready, too, and the camo over the windows might even indicate that this has a full interior, though it appears the driver is using instruments that won't be part of the Panoramic Vision infotainment system. This prototype looks like a set of production headlights and taillights away from being ready, but there's still plenty to be done. The G65 BMW X5's debut is only expected at the end of next year or early in 2027, so there's a lot more yet to be revealed. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Miami Herald
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Why This BMW Stick-Shift Won't Disappear Just Yet
In an increasingly rare piece of good news for fans of manual sports cars, BMW is set to extend production of a key enthusiast model beyond the expected timeline. We're referring to the Z4 M40i with the brand's classic six-cylinder engine and stick-shift transmission, which was expected to go out of production in October this year. However, a reliable source over at Bimmer Post has revealed an extended production run that stretches all the way to May 2026. One can only assume that strong sales have led to the decision to keep the Z4 M40i around a little longer. For the 2025 model year, BMW introduced the Handschalter package for the M40i variant, which includes a six-speed manual in addition to the version with the eight-speed automatic. According to BMW's latest sales figures for Q1 2025, Z4 sales were up by 29% year-on-year in the United States, reaching 503 units. Yes, that's not a lot of cars in BMW world, but the Z4 is a low-volume sports car, not a family-friendly SUV. Considering that only the M40i is getting an extended production run until May 2026, we can presume that the increase in sales is due to the success of the M40i, not the base four-cylinder variant. Intriguingly, it looks like the Toyota GR Supra, with which the Z4 shares engines and other components, will also stick around until May 2026. The current Z4 starts at $54,050 for the 255-horsepower sDrive30i model with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine. To upgrade to the 382-hp M40i, you must spend at least $66,450. From there, a further $3,500 is required for the Handschalter package, which adds the six-speed manual along with extras like extended Shadowline trim, black mirror caps, M Sport brakes with red calipers, and black high gloss trim. It's not the cheapest new BMW, but fans have clearly being willing to pay for it. Besides the Z4 M40i manual, the German manufacturer has several other manuals available in its lineup, including the M2 coupe, M3 sedan, and M4 coupe. All have variations of the brand's sporty and powerful six-cylinder turbo engine. After eliminating dual-clutch automatics from its lineup recently - a more engaging alternative to traditional automatics - there was a fear that BMW manuals weren't long for this world, either. However, a BMW Blog report from March 2025 indicates that BMW isn't ready to ditch manuals entirely, even though the take rate for a stick-shift is low. For now, we have a six-cylinder manual Z4 to savor for a while longer, and that's a good thing. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Motor 1
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The BMW M3 Just Got More Expensive for 2026
One of BMW's most iconic cars is about to get pricier. A leaked pricing guide for the 2026 BMW M3 shows a $1,700 increase across the board. That means the cheapest M3 is now $79,575, including the $1,175 destination charge. As BMW Blog points out, the M3 is vastly more expensive than when it first debuted in 2020. Back then, the car started at $70,895 including destination. On average, the price has climbed $1,736 per year. Here's a chart showing the differences in price for each trim versus last year (with destination included): Trim 2026 Price 2025 Price M3 $79,575 $77,875 M3 Competition $83,775 $82,075 M3 Competition xDrive $88,875 $87,175 Trim-wise, the M3 remains unchanged from last year. The base car, available exclusively with a six-speed manual, is the only trim where three pedals are available. If you want an automatic, you'll have to upgrade to the Competition model. Doing so also gets you 30 more horsepower, for a total of 503. And if you want all-wheel drive, you'll have to drop an extra $5,100 for the Competition xDrive model. While the base M3 starts at nearly $80,000, you'll likely be paying more, considering the numerous options available. The most expensive is the Carbon Package ($15,300 for the base car or $14,300 for Competition trims), which adds an Alcantara steering wheel, carbon interior trim, carbon-ceramic brakes, and carbon bucket seats. You can also add the steering wheel, the carbon-ceramics, or the seats as stand-alone options for $500, $8,500, and $4,500, respectively. In other words, the 2026 M3 can quickly become a six-figure car. BMW declined to comment on the leaked pricing guide's authenticity or contents. The document says production for the 2026 BMW M3 starts in July, with prices already in effect for orders being placed now. With production of the current M3 set to end later in the decade, BMW may come up with a special edition or two to commemorate the manual transmission, as it's unlikely to return for the next-gen car. In other words, if you want an M3 with a stick, get your order in sooner rather than later. More on the M3 The 2025 BMW M3 Competition Is a German GT-R: Video Review We Drove Three of the Best BMW M3s Ever. One Stood Out Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
