BMW hasn't built an all-electric M3 yet, but the M440i xDrive is the closest thing

BMW currently makes no fully electric M3. The M3 remains a petrol-powered performance car with a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine. However, BMW does offer the M440i xDrive, which is a high-performance electric sedan that sits in the same lineup and targets the same buyers who want speed and handling from a BMW.

If you're shopping for a performance BMW and considering electric, you're choosing between the traditional M3 (which runs on petrol) and the M440i (which runs entirely on battery). The M440i arrived in 2022 as BMW's answer to buyers who want M-series performance without the combustion engine. It's not badged as an M3, but it delivers comparable acceleration and uses the same all-wheel-drive system.

BMW has announced plans for a fully electric M3, but no production date or specifications have been confirmed. Until then, the M440i is what BMW offers if you want an electric performance sedan from the brand.

Key Takeaways

  • The BMW M440i xDrive is an all-electric performance sedan that delivers M-series speed without a petrol engine, with 0–60 mph in around 3.9 seconds.
  • The M440i uses a dual-motor setup with all-wheel drive, giving it better traction and handling than single-motor electric cars in the same class.
  • Battery range sits around 260 miles on a full charge under real-world conditions, which is competitive with other performance electric sedans but requires planning for longer trips.
  • Charging at home on a Level 2 charger takes 8 to 10 hours for a full charge; DC fast charging can add 200 miles in 30 to 40 minutes at a public station.
  • The M440i costs significantly more than a standard BMW 4 Series but less than a petrol M440i would, and maintenance is simpler because there's no oil, spark plugs, or transmission fluid to service.

How the M440i's electric powertrain compares to the petrol M3

The M440i produces 536 horsepower and 586 lb-ft of torque from its two electric motors, one on each axle. The petrol M3 produces 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. On paper, the M440i is faster off the line—it hits 60 mph in 3.9 seconds versus the M3's 3.8 seconds, a difference so small that real-world driving won't show it. Both are genuinely quick.

The real difference is how the power feels. The M440i delivers all its torque when ready because electric motors don't need to build RPM. The M3's turbocharged engine needs a moment to spool up, even though it's fast. On a track or a tight road, the M440i's when ready response can feel sharper. On a highway, both cars feel equally powerful.

Handling is where the M440i's dual-motor setup shines. All-wheel drive gives it grip that a rear-wheel-drive M3 can't match in wet conditions or hard cornering. If you live somewhere with snow or rain, the M440i is the safer, more planted choice. If you value the traditional feel of rear-wheel-drive performance, the M3 is still the answer.

Real-world range and what it means for your driving

BMW rates the M440i at 260 miles of range per charge under the EPA's mixed-driving test. In practice, that means 220 to 240 miles on a typical day of highway and city driving, depending on weather, speed, and how aggressively you accelerate. Cold weather cuts range by 15 to 20 percent. Spirited driving—the kind you buy an M440i to do—cuts it further.

For daily commuting and weekend trips within 150 miles, the M440i works without planning. For road trips longer than 300 miles, you'll need to stop at a DC fast charger. That's not a flaw specific to BMW; it's how all-electric cars work. A petrol M3 can drive 400 miles between fill-ups and refuel in five minutes. The M440i can drive 260 miles and needs 30 to 40 minutes to add 200 miles at a fast charger.

The real question is whether that trade-off fits your life. If you drive the same route most days and have a charger at home, the M440i is simpler and cheaper to run than a petrol car. If you take frequent long road trips and want to minimize stops, the M3 is still the better choice.

Charging at home versus using public networks

A Level 2 home charger (240 volts) adds about 26 miles of range per hour. A full charge from empty takes 8 to 10 hours overnight. If you plug in every evening, you wake up with a full battery and never think about charging again. This is the real advantage of owning an electric car: you start each day with a full tank.

Installing a Level 2 charger at home costs between $500 and $2,000 depending on your electrical panel and how far the charger is from the main service. Some utilities offer rebates. If you rent or live in an apartment, a home charger may not be an option, which makes the M440i less practical for you.

Public DC fast chargers are scattered across highways and in cities. The M440i can use any DC fast charger on the network—Tesla's Supercharger network, Electrify America, EVgo, and others. Charging speeds vary by charger and by how full the battery already is. The first 80 percent charges quickly; the last 20 percent slows down to protect the battery. On a 150 kW charger, you'll add 200 miles in 30 to 40 minutes.

Maintenance and long-term ownership costs

An electric M440i has no oil changes, no spark plugs, no transmission fluid, and no timing belt. The brake fluid and coolant still need periodic checks, but the service list is much shorter than a petrol car's. Brake pads last longer because the car uses regenerative braking—the electric motors slow the car and capture energy instead of relying on friction brakes.

The battery is the big-ticket item. BMW warrants the M440i's battery for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Real-world data from other electric cars shows batteries degrade slowly—typically 2 to 3 percent per year—so a 10-year-old M440i would still have 80 percent of its original range. Battery replacement costs $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the damage, but that's rare under warranty and uncommon after.

Electricity is cheaper than petrol. Charging at home on average US rates costs about $0.04 per mile. Petrol costs roughly $0.10 to $0.12 per mile in an M3. Over 100,000 miles, that's a $6,000 to $8,000 difference in fuel costs alone. Insurance and registration vary by state, but electric cars often may have access to for lower rates because they have fewer moving parts and lower repair costs.

Price and what you're actually paying for

The M440i xDrive starts around $59,000 to $62,000 before options and destination charges. That's roughly $15,000 to $20,000 more than a standard BMW i4 (the non-M electric sedan) and $10,000 to $15,000 less than a petrol M440i would cost if BMW still made one. You're paying for the dual-motor setup, the tuned suspension, the upgraded brakes, and the M-series interior trim.

Federal tax credits may reduce the price. The US federal credit for electric vehicles is up to $7,500, but it phases out as your income rises and depends on the car's final assembly location and battery sourcing. Check the current rules before you buy, because they change yearly. Some states offer additional credits on top of the federal amount.

Resale value for electric performance cars is still uncertain because the market is young. Early M440i models are holding value reasonably well, but long-term trends are unknown. If you plan to keep the car for 5 to 7 years, resale matters less. If you trade every 3 years, ask your dealer what they expect the M440i to be worth when you're done.

Why the M440i exists and what BMW's electric future looks like

BMW built the M440i because emissions regulations in Europe and California require manufacturers to sell electric cars. The M440i lets BMW sell a high-margin performance car while meeting those rules. It's not a compromise—it's a genuine performance car that happens to be electric.

BMW has committed to an all-electric M3 sometime in the next few years, but no official launch date has been announced. When it arrives, it will likely use a larger battery and more powerful motors than the M440i, targeting 0–60 times under 3.5 seconds and range over 300 miles. Until then, the M440i is the only M-badged electric BMW you can buy.

If you're set on an M3 specifically, you'll need to stick with petrol for now. If you're open to the M440i, you're getting a car that's faster in a straight line, handles better in wet weather, and costs less to run than the petrol version—with the trade-off of needing to plan for longer trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the M440i as fun to drive as the petrol M3?

Yes, in different ways. The M440i's when ready torque and all-wheel drive make it feel planted and quick off the line. The M3's rear-wheel drive and engine sound feel more traditional and raw. If you value handling feedback and engine character, the M3 wins. If you want straight-line speed and grip, the M440i is at least as good.

Can I charge the M440i at a regular outlet?

Technically yes, but it's impractical. A standard 120-volt outlet adds about 2 miles of range per hour, so a full charge would take 130 hours. A Level 2 charger (240 volts) is the minimum for practical ownership. If you can't install one at home, public charging becomes your main option, which is slower and more expensive than home charging.

What happens to the M440i in winter?

Cold weather reduces range by 15 to 20 percent because the battery is less efficient and the cabin heater draws power. The car still performs well—all-wheel drive actually helps in snow—but you'll need to charge more often. Plan for 200 miles of real range instead of 260 on cold days.

Does the M440i have a petrol engine as backup?

No. The M440i is fully electric with no petrol engine. If the battery runs low, you need to charge. There's no hybrid mode or backup fuel tank. This is why range and charging access matter when you're deciding whether an electric car fits your life.

How does the M440i compare to the Tesla Model S Plaid?

Both are fast electric sedans with all-wheel drive and similar 0–60 times. The Tesla is faster in a straight line and has longer range. The BMW has a more traditional interior, better steering feel, and a more familiar ownership experience if you've owned BMWs before. The Tesla is cheaper. Choose based on what matters to you: brand familiarity, handling, or raw speed.