BMW M CEO Frank van Meel announced that manual transmissions won't be included in the next generation of electric M models. Manual gearboxes are incompatible with the architecture and logic of EVs, adding complexity without performance benefits.
BMW M is developing new ways to provide sensory feedback in electric cars. This includes acoustic feedback, haptic cues, and real-time visual indicators to maintain driver engagement.
The upcoming electric BMW M3 (ZA0), set to arrive in 2027 on the Neue Klasse platform, will be a key test bed for this new M performance experience. It is expected to deliver at least 850 horsepower, with more potent versions to follow. The electric M3 will likely feature excited synchronous motors (EESM) at the rear axle and asynchronous motors (ASM) at the front.