BMW is preparing to launch an electric M3, marking a significant shift for a brand synonymous with high-performance internal combustion engines. Recent spy photos from the Nürburgring show the electric M3 in action, executing a dramatic four-wheel drift while being closely followed by a potential Chinese rival: the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra.
Electric M3 Testing on the Nürburgring
The images, captured during testing, depict the electric M3 leaving fresh rubber on the tarmac as it works through the demanding Nordschleife section of the German circuit. The car’s ability to drift sideways through tight corners with all four wheels maintaining contact highlights BMW’s advanced traction and power distribution systems. The test session shows the vehicle’s development stage, with engineers pushing the limits of its electric drivetrain.
According to the report, the electric M3 is based on the second-generation i3 platform, though its final designation remains unclear. Insiders suggest it will produce between 680 and 750 horsepower in standard form, with a higher-output CS variant potentially reaching 810 horsepower. This powertrain, paired with four cutting-edge electric motors, promises precise wheel-by-wheel control, aided by BMW’s proprietary electronic architecture internally dubbed “Hand of God,” later renamed “Heart of Joy” for production.
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Xiaomi SU7 Ultra’s Performance Benchmark
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, a standalone electric vehicle from the electronics giant, has already established itself as a formidable competitor. In June 2025, it set a production-spec lap time of 7:04.957 minutes on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife, later improving to 6:22.091 in prototype form. This placed it third among all-time lap records for the circuit until Porsche reclaimed the production title with a Taycan Turbo GT at 6:55.553 in July 2026.
The SU7 Ultra’s 1138kW (1,526 horsepower) output, achieved through three “HyperEngine” motors, enables its blistering acceleration (0-62mph in 1.98 seconds) and top speed of 217mph. Its compact, Mercedes C-Class-sized body houses this power, positioning it as a direct rival to Tesla’s Model 3 Performance and BMW’s upcoming electric M3.
Engineering Philosophy and Driver Engagement
The electric M3, by contrast, aims to blend cutting-edge performance with the brand’s heritage of driver-focused design. Its four-motor setup and advanced electronic systems suggest a vehicle engineered not just for outright speed, but for precise handling and immersive feedback.