The upcoming BMW iM3 sedan will build upon the latest Neue Klasse platform found in the iX3 SUV, and is expected to spawn the first electric M3 performance sedan. ' Now, we have a bit of a better idea of what the iM3 may sound like.
In a new YouTube video posted by BMW, several gas-powered BMWs are recorded in a studio to help craft this new soundscape. 4-liter V8.
Even an E64 M6 is being used to create this new soundscape, which will add to the lower frequency ranges of the iM3's soundtrack. The goal is to blend these various engine sounds, along with the whine of electric motors, to create a unique soundtrack that can play from the iM3's speakers while driving.
BMW plans to tease more information about the iM3 over the next year ahead of its arrival in 2027, and will feature four electric motors, one for each wheel, and an 800-volt architecture for rapid recharging. With this approach, it seems unlikely that we'll be able to simply select an engine sound from a menu like Honda did with a prototype EV in 2024.
Instead, the iM3's soundscape will be a unique blend of its various components.
The use of simulated gearshifts and a new 'soundscape' is a clever way for BMW to create an immersive driving experience without the need for actual combustion engines. This approach also allows them to tailor the sound to their electric motor, creating a truly unique soundtrack that will set the iM3 apart from other electric vehicles.
