BMW M teases a hot Neue Klasse M3 EV

The prototype is expected to preview a new electric M3, likely to be named i3 M

Spy photographers recently captured the first photos of the Neue Klasse i3, and now we have a look at the M version. We don’t know much about it, but BMW M quietly posted some images on Instagram and its website.

The company isn’t revealing much yet, but notes that the car is a prototype and “new standards are being set.” The automaker is also calling the model a “HP BEV,” which could mean a high-performance battery electric vehicle.

More: BMW engineers build an electric M2 prototype to impress governing board

If these hints weren’t enough, the image is accompanied by a quote from Dirk Häcker, Head of BMW M Development, who said: “Electrification opens up completely new degrees of freedom for us in creating typical M dynamics.”

Turning to the image itself, we can see that the model follows in the footsteps of previous prototypes as well as the Vision Neue Klasse concept. However, the M prototype is more aggressive as it appears to have a wider track and lightweight wheels wrapped in high-performance rubber. The car also sits lower, suggesting a sportier suspension setup.

There’s not much to see, but the car has retractable door handles and a relatively flat roof. They’re joined together by a plain rear end, unmistakably devoid of exhaust pipes.

While BMW hasn’t revealed much, the packaging echoes that found on the i4-based quad-motor prototypes that have been undergoing testing for the past few years. Rumors suggest the model could have more than 1,000 horsepower (746 kW / 1,014 hp) as well as advanced torque vectoring and even tank steering capabilities.

Given that BMW M has been on an electrification teaser spree of late, we wouldn’t be surprised if more information emerges in the coming days.

H/T BMW Blog