BMW Trademarks ‘iM3’ Name for Upcoming Electric Sport Sedan

BMW has made a significant move in preparation for its upcoming electric sport sedan by trademarking the name iM3. The German automaker has been working on simplifying its nomenclature for future models, moving away from complicated combinations like X3 xDrive30i or iX eDrive50. The new naming convention will feature simpler names like X330 or iX330, making it easier for customers to identify electric vehicles from the brand. The recent trademark application for the iM3 suggests that BMW’s first electric M car will be an electrified version of the highly popular M3 sedan. This move aligns with BMW’s plan to have the current M3 and the new iM3 coexist for a period. While the i prefix may be temporary, it will likely remain until the internal combustion engine-powered M3 is eventually phased out. The iM3 is expected to feature a quad-motor setup, delivering an impressive 700 horsepower. It has also been rumored that a wagon variant, called the iM3 wagon, is in development, although it may not be available in the United States. BMW’s decision to streamline its naming system is a welcome change, harkening back to the more straightforward names of its classic models. While the upcoming Neue Klasse naming structure may not be as simple, the BMW iM3 represents a return to a more concise naming convention. With this move, BMW aims to avoid unnecessary suffixes, ensuring that the iconic M3 remains just as impressive in its electric form.