BMW's electric M3 keeps the roar of its gasoline ancestor with real-engine audio

In an era where silence has become the hallmark of electric propulsion, BMW is daringly turning the volume up on its newest M3. Rather than surrendering the visceral soundtrack that has defined the M badge for decades, the automaker has woven authentic recordings of its legendary V-engine into the cabin's soundscape. Drivers can toggle between curated profiles that range from a subtle, futuristic hum to a full-throttle growl that mimics the mechanical cadence of a traditional gearbox. The illusion is deepened by simulated gear-shift cues, a clever nod to the tactile pleasure of clutch work that many enthusiasts fear will be lost in the transition to instant torque. This auditory choreography does more than please the ear; it preserves a cultural touchstone, reminding owners that the M lineage is as much about attitude as it is about acceleration. By embedding the soul of a combustion engine into an electric chassis, BMW signals that performance heritage can evolve without erasing its roots. The result is a driving experience that feels both familiar and forward-looking, a reminder that the sound of power can be engineered as thoughtfully as the power itself.