BMW's current sixth-generation M3 will end production in 2027, leaving a notable gap in the lineup before the automaker launches an electric successor. The German performance brand confirmed it will discontinue the gas-powered M3 after the 2027 model year, marking the end of an era for one of the industry's most storied sport sedans.
The timing creates an 18-month window without a traditional M3 in showrooms. During that interim period, BMW plans to bridge the performance sedan segment with a high-performance variant of the upcoming electric i3 sedan. This move reflects BMW's broader strategy to electrify its M division while maintaining customer access to extreme performance vehicles.
The current M3, powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine producing 503 horsepower in standard form and 543 horsepower in Competition trim, has dominated the compact luxury sport sedan market since 2020. The model offers both manual transmission and eight-speed automatic options, a rare flexibility in today's performance landscape.
BMW hasn't detailed the successor's powertrain specifications, but the company committed to developing fully electric M models. The i3 M variant will serve as a stopgap, likely leveraging the electric sedan platform to deliver rapid acceleration and handling performance while development of a dedicated electric M3 continues.
This production timeline aligns with BMW's stated commitment to have roughly half its lineup electrified by 2030. The M3's discontinuation represents a watershed moment for performance sedans as manufacturers accelerate the shift away from combustion engines. Competitors including Mercedes-AMG and Audi RS already offer or are developing electric alternatives to traditional performance sedans.
The final 2027 M3 models will likely command significant collector interest, similar to how previous generation transitions sparked demand. Enthusiasts concerned about