The 2027 G80 BMW M3 will be the final model year for the iconic gas-powered sports car, but a performance EV is coming soon that promises to pack even more performance.
BMW ditches gas-powered G80 M3 for an EV
After introducing the 2027 M3 CS Handschalter just over a week ago, BMW said the special, limited-edition model marked the close of the M3’s sixth generation.
According to Scott Stirling, BMW M’s North American Product Manager, the 2027 model year will be the last for the G80 edition model.
Stirling confirmed during an interview with Bimmerlife that “this is the last model of G80,” explaining why the M3 was chosen as the exclusive CS Handschalter model, rather than the M4. Given the production cycles, Stirling said, it was his only opportunity.
While he didn’t say exactly when, sources told BMWBlog that production of the current gas G80 M3 will end in February 2027. However, it’s still unclear if that applies to all markets.
While BMW plans to introduce a gas-powered G84, that won’t be until summer 2028. That means it will be about 18 months without an M3, or at least a gas-powered one.
In the meantime, BMW will launch the first all-electric M3 next year. Disguised prototypes have been spotted testing with four electric motors, a fine-tuned suspension, and several other M upgrades.
BMW said earlier this year that the electric M3 is built from the ground up on its new M eDrive architecture, using components from its sixth-generation eDrive (Gen6) system.
Compared to its previous setup (Gen5), BMW said its Gen 6 platform offers a 30% longer driving range and 30% faster charging speeds.
Each wheel features an electric motor that’s controlled by M-specific software, using a variation of the new “Heart of Joy” ECUs, and M Dynamic Performance Control.
The M3 EV will draw power from a high-voltage battery with over 100 kWh of usable energy, but BMW has yet to reveal specifics.
It will arrive sometime next year, based on the new 2027 i3. BMW said the new i3 offers up to 440 miles of range based on preliminary EPA tests. Under WLTP conditions, the new i3 will deliver up to 900 km (559 miles) of range.
The i3 50 xDrive (AWD) features electric motors on both the front and rear axles, delivering a combined 463 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque. The M3 EV is expected to pack around 800-900 hp from four electric motors.
Like Hyundai’s N performance EVs, including the IONIQ 5 N, BMW said electric M models will offer various drive modes, simulated gear shifts, and a new soundscape.
With instant torque, a new (Neue Klasse) design, and an upgraded platform and software, the electric M3 is sure to be an improvement over the gas-powered model. For comparison, the 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter produces 473 hp, or just 10 hp more than the standard i3, from a 6-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo.
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