- BMW is creating a unique soundtrack for its upcoming electric M3 sports sedan, incorporating several petrol-powered M cars to create the new sound.
- In a video, BMW includes the inline-six from the F82 M4 GTS, the V-8 from the E92 M3 GTS and the V-10 from the E64 M6.
- The sound of the iM3 will use these engine sounds for the lower frequencies, which will be mixed with the high-pitched whine of the electric motors.
The upcoming BMW i3 sedan (not to be confused with the 2014-2021 i3 hatchback) will build on the latest Neue Klasse platform found in the iX3 SUV, and, as BMW recently confirmed, will spawn the first electric M3 performance sedan. Although the iM3, as we expect it to be called, won’t go on sale until 2027, BMW recently revealed some details, including that it will feature simulated gear levers and a new ‘soundscape’. Now we have a bit better idea of what the iM3 might sound like.
In a new YouTube video posted by BMW, we see the development team recording several gas-powered BMWs in a studio to help create this new soundscape. In the video we can spot the F82 M4 GTS, which has a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, and the E92 M3 GTS, which was powered by a naturally aspirated 4.4-liter V8. There’s even an E64 M6, which was motivated by a beastly 5.0-liter V10. BMW says the purpose of recording these sounds is to boost the lower frequency ranges, because electric motors typically emit a high-pitched hum.
While BMW delves into its combustion heritage as it develops this new soundscape, we don’t expect to be able to simply select an engine sound from a menu, like what Honda teased us in a prototype EV in 2024. Instead, it seems BMW plans to combine these different engine sounds, along with the whine of electric motors, to create a unique soundtrack that can be played from the iM3’s speakers while driving.
We’ll have to wait to find out what form the iM3’s final soundscape takes, but BMW has already released some exciting details about what we can expect from the electric sports sedan. While no official power is available yet, we know the iM3 will feature four electric motors, one for each wheel, and an 800-volt fast-charging architecture. Expect BMW to release more information about the iM3 in the coming year, ahead of its arrival in 2027.
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