M Means Million
Needless to say, BMW M is among the most compelling performance brands. Its road-car lineage traces back to the M1, which was launched in 1978, though the latest standalone model, the XM, arrived this decade with a more polarizing reception. Still, the performance division has birthed iconic models like the E30 M3, E39 M5, and, more recently, the G82 M4. Now, it is celebrating the production of its one-millionth vehicle, with the milestone car rolling out of the Bavarian automaker’s plant in Munich, Germany.
The particular example holding that record is a Fire Orange III-painted BMW G80 M3, which couldn’t be more fitting. The M3 is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, while the Munich plant – the brand’s historic main plant built in 1922 – is scheduled to become EV-only and will produce the first fully electric M3, the performance division’s first EV.
Two Ways to M3
Full details about the electric successor have yet to be revealed, though it is confirmed to use BMW M’s Neue Klasse technology. As such, the all-electric M3 will become the second Neue Klasse model to roll off the century-old facility in Germany, following the i3. The automaker isn’t abandoning the combustion-powered M3, with M boss Frank van Meel confirming that the next gas model will retain an inline-six. Dingolfing is considered the likely production site, though the company has yet to confirm.
The press release didn’t explicitly mention the exact variant of the one-millionth M example, but it is assumed to be an M3 Competition with xDrive because that’s what’s listed in its mandatory emissions disclosure. If so, that means it is the 523-horsepower, all-wheel-drive version, powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo S58 inline-six.
In North America, 2027 marks the current sixth-generation model’s final model year, with the automaker releasing the region-exclusive M3 CS Handschalter as a send-off.
High-Voltage M
The one-millionth production milestone is a nice touch to the M lineup before the performance division adds fully electric propulsion to its portfolio. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but EVs have proven time and time again that they can deliver serious performance, especially in a straight line.
Rumors suggest the all-electric M3 could arrive with around 800 and 900 horsepower, which, if true, would make it the most powerful M model yet. Meanwhile, the automaker has confirmed a four-motor setup, along with simulated gear shifts similar in concept to those in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and a newly developed M-specific soundscape.
Â
