--- title: "BMW Trademarks ‘iM3’ Name for Upcoming Electric Sport Sedan" description: "It's likely BMW will name its future all-electric sport sedan \"iM3\" following a recent trademark filing in Germany." date: "2023-11-28" modified: "2023-11-28" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/bmw-trademarks-im3-name-for-upcoming-electric-sport-sedan" categories: - "BMW News" - "Car Tech" - "Electric Vehicles" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "BMW" - "m3" - "sedan" - "sports car" --- # BMW Trademarks ‘iM3’ Name for Upcoming Electric Sport Sedan ![]() A couple of months ago, [BMW]() filed a few different trademarks with the European trademark office, which indicated a switch to a [simpler nomenclature]() than it currently uses. Rather than the "X3 xDrive30i" or "iX eDrive50" nonsense you see on current Bimmers, upcoming cars will get names like X330 or iX330, making it far easier to differentiate electric BMWs from combustion ones. According to another new trademark filed with the [German patent and trademark office]() via *[CarBuzz]()*, upcoming BMW M cars could be even simpler, as the Bavarians recently filed for the "iM3" name. Such a name suggests that the first electric M car to launch will be an electric version of the BMW M3. The prefix will be necessary, at least to start, because it seems as though BMW plans on the current inline-six-powered M3 and [Neue Klasse]()-based iM3 coexisting for a period, according to comments BMW board member Frank Weber made to *[Autocar]()* in September. It'll be interesting to see if BMW jettisons the "i" when the ICE-powered version eventually departs, though hopefully we won't have to worry about that until well into the next decade. ![]() *BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept BMW* According to *[BMWBlog]()*, this upcoming BMW iM3 will run under the chassis code ZA0 and will pack around 700 horsepower from a quad-motor setup. There's even said to be a BMW iM3 wagon in the works, with chassis code ZA1, though that's doubtful to make its way to us Americans. BMW is tightening up its naming system with the upcoming Neue Klasse electric chassis, which is good to see. The beloved BMWs of yesteryear mostly had sensible names, consisting of a series of numbers that clearly denoted the cars' sizes and engines. While its Neue Klasse naming structure won't be quite as simple as those older names, it's heading back in the right direction. And it doesn't really get simpler than "BMW iM3." At least we can be sure it won't get an [unnecessary "Competition" suffix](). *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()