BMW is developing a synthetic sound for its upcoming electric M3 sedan by recording the exhaust notes of its high-performance gasoline cars. The company captured sounds from the F82 M4 GTS (inline-six), E92 M3 GTS (V-8), and E64 M6 (V-10) to replicate lower-frequency engine tones often missing in electric vehicles.
Why Synthesized Sound?
Electric motors produce a high-pitched whine that some drivers find unappealing in performance cars. BMW is blending these recorded engine sounds with the whine of the electric motors to create a more aggressive and familiar auditory experience. This is not about fooling anyone into thinking it’s a gasoline engine; rather, it’s about enhancing the emotional connection drivers feel with the car.
How It Works
The iM3 (expected name) will utilize these recordings for the lower frequencies, filling out the soundscape. The result will be a unique blend that includes simulated gearshifts, adding another layer of driver engagement. BMW does not intend to let drivers pick and choose engine sounds, as some other manufacturers have experimented with. Instead, it’s a carefully crafted experience.
The iM3: Technical Details
The iM3 will be built on the Neue Klasse platform, the same as the iX3 SUV. It will feature four electric motors (one per wheel) and an 800-volt architecture for faster charging. While official power figures are not yet available, the iM3 is designed to deliver the performance expected of an M model.
What This Means
BMW’s decision to incorporate synthesized sounds reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry. Automakers recognize that sound is part of the driving experience, and they are working to ensure that electric vehicles don’t feel sterile or disconnected. The iM3’s approach suggests that synthetic sound will become increasingly sophisticated, blending the best of both worlds: electric efficiency and gasoline-inspired emotion.
The car is expected to arrive in 2027, but BMW plans to continue teasing details in the years leading up to its release.
