BMW plans to unveil a fully electric version of its iconic M3 performance sedan later this year. Ahead of that reveal, it’s been teasing the public with short videos documenting the car’s development, alongside interviews with engineers. The company’s latest video revealed something we’ve been curious about: The electric M3’s fake exhaust noises.
The latest teaser video, released on Wednesday, shows off the engineering team’s progress with the electric M3’s chassis dynamics. We’re taken on a journey to Sweden, where BMW sets up shop at a private test center in the town of Arjeplog, in the Arctic Circle.
Towards the end of the video, we’re placed inside the M3’s cabin as we watch a couple of engineers perform an acceleration run. It’s here, for the first time, that we hear the electric M3’s synthesized exhaust noises pumped through the speakers. From what we can tell, it sounds like a high-strung, high-revving straight-six. Not entirely surprising given BMW’s long history with the engine layout.
The video cuts off before we hear more, so it’s possible the sound could change as speeds increase further. There’s also the possibility of fake gears, like what you’ll find on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. BMW’s M division said last year it would build its EVs with fake gearing. And if you look closely, the driver is reaching for a paddle on the steering wheel before the video cuts off.
While an electric M3 might sound like heresy to enthusiasts, adding fake gearing might convince some people. The simulated eight-speed, paddle-shifted transmission in the Ioniq 5 N is the main reason the media has fallen in love with the car. Meanwhile, other performance EVs like the new Dodge Charger, which includes a V-8 soundtrack but no fake gearing, miss the mark. Personally, I wouldn’t buy a performance EV without fake gears. It’s the only thing that makes the experience worthwhile.
We won’t have to wait long to find out more. BMW has released three of these videos since December, so it’s likely to publish more before the car makes its official debut.
Would you buy an electric BMW M car if it had fake gears? Let us know in the comments.
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