On the 2025 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel provided new insights on the model’s transition to electrification—and what meaning for driving purists. The handbook transmission, a defining ingredient of M’s character vehicles for many years, gained’t make the leap to the subsequent era of electrical M fashions.
Whereas BMW M stays dedicated to providing handbook gearboxes in its present combustion-powered lineup—notably in vehicles just like the M2, the place over half of U.S. consumers nonetheless select three pedals—van Meel confirmed that conventional manuals aren’t suitable with the structure or logic of EVs. Regardless of their fanatic enchantment, Van Meel informed us throughout a roundtable that manuals would add complexity with out enhancing efficiency or effectivity in electrical drivetrains.
That mentioned, BMW M isn’t abandoning engagement. As a substitute of mimicking outdated {hardware}, the model is creating new methods to supply sensory suggestions in electrical vehicles. With out engine revs or gear modifications, drivers can lose a way of velocity and connection. BMW is actively engaged on options, from acoustic suggestions to haptic cues and real-time visible indicators, to assist preserve the emotional hyperlink between automotive and driver. We’ve already seen a teaser just a few months in the past which confirmed an M3 EV prototype delivering an ICE sound contained in the cabin.
One of many key take a look at beds for this new M efficiency expertise would be the upcoming electrical BMW M3, recognized internally as ZA0. Set to reach in 2027, the next-gen M3 will debut on BMW’s Neue Klasse platform and is predicted to ship not less than 850 horsepower. Stronger variations may observe, in typical M3 style.
BMW’s new EV structure permits for extremely versatile drivetrain configurations, supporting one to 4 motors. The electrical M3 is more likely to function excited synchronous motors (EESM) on the rear axle for responsive energy supply, paired with asynchronous motors (ASM) on the entrance, which offer effectivity and reduce drag when not in use. This mix permits engineers to tune efficiency with precision whereas lowering parasitic losses typical in dual-motor EVs.
At an occasion that celebrates automotive heritage, BMW used the Villa d’Este stage to make its place clear: the handbook gearbox could keep alive in ICE vehicles for now. Our personal sources say that if the next-gen ICE M3 (codename G84) goes mild-hybrid, then the six-speed handbook is not going to be a part of the bundle.
