Electric BMW M4: 1,000 Horsepower and a 2028 Debut
It seems that not only the M3 will get an electric version. According to rumors, BMW is developing a two-door electric vehicle based on the M4, which will likely be called the iM4. New renders show what this sports coupe could look like.
During this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, BMW unveiled the impressive M Concept Neue Klasse, which is a precursor to the future electric M3. Everything points to the production version being very close to the concept, meaning the two-door iM4 will inherit many of its design solutions.
Design: From Concept to Coupe
As these renders by Nikita Chuiko for Kolesa show, the concept’s design adapts perfectly to the coupe form. The front end remains almost unchanged: a carbon fiber splitter, small square daytime running lights, and aggressive headlights neatly integrated into the narrow grilles.
Unlike the M Concept Neue Klasse, which has unusual door handles similar to the Ford Mustang Mach-E, in these renders they are more traditional and flush with the body.
The rear end also largely follows the four-door concept: the same sleek LED taillights and square fog lights on the bumper. Aerodynamics was a key focus of the show car, so the production model may feature a similar large diffuser with pronounced Venturi channels that press the rear wheels to the road.
Powertrain and Engines
The production electric M3, rumored to be called the iM3, is expected to be revealed no earlier than next year. This means the electric M4, known under the internal code ZA2, is unlikely to appear before 2028. Like its sedan sibling, the coupe will get four electric motors, with power reportedly ranging from 700 to 1,000 horsepower.
Fortunately for fans of internal combustion engines, it’s not all bad news. Like the next-generation M3, which will also be offered with the familiar 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine, the new M4 will be available with the same unit. It is not yet known how similar the design of the electric and gasoline versions will be.
Thus, BMW is preparing two versions of the M4: a fully electric one with immense power and a traditional gasoline one. This will allow the company to meet the needs of both electric vehicle enthusiasts and those not ready to give up classic engines. The decision to offer both types of powertrains in the same generation is a balanced step, allowing for a gradual transition to electrification without losing the loyalty of the traditional audience. It is worth noting that this strategy is already used by some competitors, enabling the collection of valuable data on demand and real-world operation of electric vehicles before completely phasing out internal combustion engines.