Several months back, BMW submitted diverse trademarks with the European patent office, signaling a move towards a more straightforward classification system compared to its current one. Instead of the current convoluted naming conventions like “X3 xDrive30i” or “iX eDrive50,” future models will adopt names like X330 or iX330, simplifying the distinction between electric BMWs and combustion engine variants. As reported by a new filing with the German patent and trademark office via CarBuzz, forthcoming BMW M models might adopt an even more streamlined approach, with the recent registration of the “iM3” designation.
This name hints at the possibility of the initial electric M car being an electric iteration of the BMW M3. The prefix is likely to be essential initially, as BMW appears to be planning for the simultaneous existence of the current inline-six-powered M3 alongside the forthcoming Neue Klasse-based iM3, as per statements made by BMW board member Frank Weber to Autocar in September. It will be intriguing to observe whether BMW drops the “i” once the ICE version phases out, though this transition is not expected until well into the next decade.
BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept BMW
Per BMWBlog, the forthcoming BMW iM3 will be under the development code ZA0, delivering a rumored output of approximately 700 horsepower from a quad-motor configuration. Rumors also suggest the existence of a BMW iM3 wagon, with the ZA1 code, but its availability in the United States seems uncertain.
BMW is streamlining its nomenclature system with the upcoming Neue Klasse electric platform, a positive development. Historically, classic BMW models featured logical names based on a series of numbers indicating the car’s size and engine specifications. Although the new Neue Klasse system won’t be as straightforward as its predecessors, it’s a step back towards simplicity. And what’s more straightforward than “BMW iM3?” It certainly seems that unnecessary suffixes like “Competition” will not be making an appearance.
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