06:42 10-11-2025

Pre-series production of four-motor EV units for the BMW M3 begins in Steyr

BMW’s plant in Steyr, Austria, has officially started pre-series production of new high-performance electric motors. After building the power unit for the iX3 crossover, the facility has moved on to assembling second-generation motors designed for M sports models.

Although the press release doesn’t name specific cars, the focus clearly points to the upcoming BMW M3 ZA0 — the brand’s first fully electric M sedan. Early information indicates a quartet of electric motors with independent torque control at each wheel, promising instant response and exceptional precision in corners.

The expected combined output ranges from 800 to 900 hp, well above the current M3, yet the emphasis is set not on record-breaking sprints but on handling and balance. The first batch of motors is already undergoing tests for response characteristics and power delivery accuracy.

BMW is investing more than one billion euros in the development of electric drive systems at the Steyr plant through 2030, transforming it into an e-mobility competence center and effectively closing the chapter on internal combustion.

The M division’s move into the electric era looks measured and confident. If the new M3 keeps the spirit of the classic model, it could become a new benchmark for driver enjoyment even without a roaring exhaust. Prioritizing control and balance over headline acceleration times feels like a smart call, and a four-motor layout with fine torque management should pay dividends for keen drivers.