After years of speculation about what a BMW M vehicle built on the brand’s new Neue Klasse sedan architecture would look like, BMW has finally unveiled an undisguised version. While the automaker hasn’t given the concept an official name yet, it unmistakably resembles a production-ready i3 M.

Described officially as a “preview of the new design language for high-performance automobiles from BMW M,” the concept, revealed on Friday at Le Mans, is called the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse. It’s easy to notice that the new model shares its basic silhouette with the standard i3 introduced earlier this year. The most prominent distinction lies in its width, highlighted by four pronounced, boxy fenders that add substantial muscularity to the car’s stance.

This bold presence is further enhanced by a reimagined front-end “light sculpture,” replacing the standard i3’s conventional lighting setup with two diagonal amber daytime running lights (DRLs). Additional diagonal elements within the light section evoke BMW’s signature kidney grilles, setting this M model apart from its non-performance sibling. Fans disappointed by the oversized grilles of the latest M5 will appreciate how BMW achieved a strong visual identity here without enlarging the grille shapes themselves.

Other significant exterior highlights include a functional hood vent, winglet-style mounts for the side mirrors, and vertically stacked dual lights at each corner, accentuating the broad fenders. BMW M’s iconic tricolour theme is reflected in subtle detailing—a slim stripe along the mirrors and a bold, banner-like stripe stretching across the width of the rear glass.

Inside the cabin, racing-inspired bucket seats equipped with five-point harnesses and the now-familiar centre divot between the driver’s legs—seen in recent M models—hint at serious track capability. Distinctive “M” selection controls, paddle shifters, and an “M” toggle on the centre console further distinguish this variant from the standard i3. However, BMW has yet to reveal the exact functions of these special controls.

BMW hasn’t released specific performance figures yet, but it confirmed that the concept uses four electric motors and a system dubbed “BMW M Dynamic Performance Control.” This technology appears designed to harmonize the performance of the motors and other drivetrain components. The system is managed by BMW’s “Heart of Joy” computer—a control platform the company has highlighted since 2024 as a key contributor to the dynamic character of its upcoming M-branded electric vehicles.

While BMW hasn’t officially confirmed a production version of the i3 M or another M badge model based on the Neue Klasse i3, such news is expected soon. For now, the M Concept Neue Klasse provides a strong preview of BMW M’s approach to its first all-electric performance car.

Explore the complete photo gallery of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse for a closer look at this exciting new direction.