Starting in 2035, all car manufacturers must shift to electric vehicles, and BMW is leading the way with models like the iX1 and i4. Plans for a high-performance electric supercar, the iM3, have emerged, featuring 1,300 horsepower, but a more ambitious project was scrapped due to declining global EV sales and consumer interest. BMW has a history of halting high-profile projects, leaving the future of its performance cars uncertain, especially amid increasing competition.
The Shift to Electric Vehicles: BMW’s Commitment
Starting in 2035, all automotive manufacturers will be required to transition to electric vehicles, phasing out the sale of thermal engine cars. BMW is already ahead of the curve with a robust lineup that includes models like the iX1, iX, i4, and i7. However, this is just the beginning of their electric evolution.
A Supercar That Never Was
As BMW forges ahead with the development of its Neue Klasse platform, news has emerged about a future electric sports car, designated as the iM3, which is anticipated to boast an astonishing four motors generating over 1,000 horsepower. But what many may not know is that there was an even more ambitious supercar project in the works that never reached production.
According to reports from a specialized automotive blog, this project was initiated in the previous year, and while specific timelines remain undisclosed, it was reportedly in advanced stages of development, with a clay model created by BMW’s design team.
This electric super sports car, which was never officially named, was set to deliver a jaw-dropping 1,300 horsepower, positioning it to compete with high-performance vehicles like the Tesla Roadster and the remarkable Yangwang U9 from China. Additionally, it would have stood against the GAC Aion Hyper SSR (now known as Hyptec SSR) and the Rimac Nevera.
Unfortunately, the project has been scrapped by the company’s board, primarily due to a downturn in global electric vehicle sales. This economic environment has made it challenging to justify the investment in such a high-end model, which would likely lead to low sales volumes.
Moreover, consumer interest in ultra-premium electric vehicles has declined, making the current market less favorable for launching a supercar. The impending intensification of price competition, particularly from Chinese manufacturers, has further complicated the landscape for luxury electric offerings.
This is not the first time BMW has shelved a high-profile project. The Vision M Next concept, a hybrid coupe with 600 horsepower that could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3 seconds, was also abandoned in 2019 due to mixed reviews and prohibitive production costs. BMW has a long history of pausing ambitious projects dating back to the 1980s, aiming to succeed the iconic M1 supercar, yet none have materialized.
Looking ahead, while there are whispers of a potential radical sports car with a traditional thermal engine—a 4.4-liter V8 compliant with Euro 7 standards—nothing has been confirmed, leaving the future of BMW’s high-performance vehicles uncertain.