What we know!
BMW has made clear its commitment to electric mobility, and that has now even encapsulated the M Performance division. This means a major step up in performance, with the dedicated M car boasting the quad-motor electric powertrain. This was something that was announced through testing back in 2022, with the automaker now launching a video series highlighting its EV development journey. Through these episodes, viewers are given insight into the goals of the development team as well as previews of the ongoing testing of the powertrain test mule.
We know for sure that the powertrain consists of two motors at each axle, allowing for each of the wheels to be individually controlled. Due to this individual control, precise and infinitely variable torque distribution is realized. By using various sensors, as well as driver inputs through the steering angle and position of the accelerator pedal, the torque distribution can be optimized to best suit the conditions. That includes such scenarios as providing extra grip on slippery surfaces or helping the vehicle remain stable through a curve.
This powertrain is also being developed with linear power delivery in mind, something linked to BMW and at the core of its many vehicles. When it comes to the battery, details are still limited although BMW is known to be preparing a sixth-generation battery design for its upcoming Neue Klasse EVs, and these could also possibly be featured in the first electric M. These particular batteries feature cylindrical cells as opposed to the current prismatic cell design and along with other improvements, could most likely result in a whopping 30 percent enhancement over BMW’s current EVs. This alone is well worth the wait!
It is uncertain what the first electric M will be, but a good guess is that it will be a high-performance version of an electric member of the next-generation 3 Series, which is due in 2026, possibly sporting an i3 badge.
BMW M’s electric powertrain is also expected to be featured in other vehicles, including an electric SUV that will join the X3 family. The electric SUV is set to be the first Neue Klasse vehicle, arriving as soon as next year.
Those customers still desiring a gas engine have nothing to fret over, as BMW is also developing a gas-powered next-generation 3-Series, and officials for the automaker have confirmed it will include a gas-powered M3 variant. It is reported to carry the “G84” codename and is rumored to enter production in mid-2028, possibly only with an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Every electric BMW M car will have four motors – we know that much! And the wait is nearly over! Development of this fact began a few years back with prototypes based on the i4 M50, which was the best-selling car from BMW M in both 2022 and 2023. Expected in the near figure is not only unprecedented performance, but quality and features that are unimaginable today.
Teaser videos don’t lie – and in addition to the prototype’s colorful wrap and striking M3 kidney grille that is revealed, there are also carbon-ceramic brakes, a reinforced body for extra stiffness and new subframes at both axles. Many other changes underneath are also expected, although not yet revealed! Electric drivetrains right down to the M – keep your eyes open for what unfolds!
