BMW has been testing an electric M2 since 2018

• BMW M built an electric M2 prototype in 2018
• The electric M2 prototype was nicknamed “The Beast” because it was uncontrollable
• Lessons learned from the program will benefit an electric M3 headed to showrooms later this decade

BMW M is working on an electric M3 as its first dedicated performance car powered by batteries.

The electric M3 will be based on the next-generation 3-Series, which will come in gas and electric flavors, with the latter using BMW’s newly developed Neue Klasse EV platform. The electric 3-Series is due in 2026, and the electric M3 based on it will likely trail the regular sedan by a year or possibly more.

While that means the electric M3 is still some years away from launch, BMW now revealed that development of its electric powertrain has been ongoing since at least 2018.

In the latest episode of an online video series charting BMW M’s EV development, we learn about an electric prototype based on the previous-generation M2 that BMW M engineers built in 2018.

The prototype, which appears at approximately the 3:40 mark, was never intended for production. Instead, it was built as a demonstrator to evaluate the performance potential of electric powertrains, and to develop chassis control systems to harness the high performance of electric motors. When starting off, the prototype was completely uncontrollable, resulting in the engineers nicknaming it “The Beast.”

Lessons learned through the electric M2 resulted in BMW M building a four-motor electric powertrain, which the performance division started testing in an i4 M50 around 2022. That powertrain has now made its way into the electric M3, where it is rumored to be delivering a four-digit horsepower output.

The powertrain consists of two motors at each axle, allowing for each of the wheels to be individually controlled. The individual control makes it possible for precise and infinitely variable torque distribution, according to BMW M. Using various sensors, as well as driver inputs via the steering angle and position of the accelerator pedal, the torque distribution can be optimized to suit the conditions, for example providing extra grip on slippery surfaces or helping the vehicle remain stable through a curve.

BMW M fans still wanting a gas engine shouldn’t worry just yet. BMW M is also developing a gas-powered M3 based on the next-generation 3-Series. The performance division has hinted that the next gas M3 will use an evolution of the current M3’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6.