BMW is set to shake the performance car market to its core, with confirmation that from 2027, its M high-performance vehicles will deliver the ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ experience in electric form.
The Neue Klasse will usher in a new era in the high-performance vehicle segment, bringing BMW M’s motto, “Born on the racetrack. Made for the streets. Core of a passionate community”, to life with a fully electric drivetrain.
The German car maker says the new offerings will embody the brand’s DNA with authenticity, and advances the distinct BMW M driving experience. The EV drivetrain redefines M dynamics, combining driving pleasure with racetrack capability.
Long range, high charging performance thanks to 800-volt technology and highly efficient energy recuperation will make it a versatile everyday companion, while maintaining their insane performance metrics.
The newly developed architecture, which includes four high-performance computers, with centrally controlled individual wheel drive opens up a new dimension and further increases the driving safety of all BMW M next-generation vehicles.
Known as “Superbrains”, they unite computing power for driving dynamics, automated driving, infotainment, and comfort functions. Importantly, the BMW M Neue Klasse has been developed from the ground up.
At the core of the new architecture is BMW M eDrive, which is based on the BMW Gen6 technology of the Neue Klasse. Each wheel is driven by an electric motor, in combination with the M-specific control software of the ‘Heart of Joy’.
The ‘BMW M Dynamic Performance Control’ unlocks completely new potential in driving dynamics and safety. Additionally, the system enables maximum recuperation and optimum traction right up to the limit, and more direct response.
In all electric models of the BMW M Neue Klasse, two electric drive units on the front and rear axles, each with one electric motor per wheel, ensure driving performance expected from BMW M. Each of the four electric motors drives one wheel.
This concept combines all the advantages of rear-wheel and all-wheel drive while enhancing driving dynamics on the road and racetrack. Additionally, the front axle can be completely decoupled.
The result is BMW M’s renowned rear-wheel drive with its dynamic driving characteristics, enhanced efficiency, and increased range. Various predefined driving modes and simulated gear shifts will feature. A newly developed soundscape comes into play.
Utilising the most powerful drives BMW M has ever used, the electric motors are arranged in parallel, each delivering power to one gearbox per wheel. The drive units also integrate an inverter for controlling the electric motors and oil supply.
The system enables control of torque and power at each individual wheel, allowing for optimal traction, continuous torque distribution and brake energy recuperation. The result is a BMW M production vehicle driving experience that has never been achieved before.
The high-voltage battery, for example, boats more than 100kWh of usable energy, and has been specifically adapted to meet the demands of high-performance vehicles. Apart from innovations related to driving performance, high-tech changes will come too.
This includes lightweight construction, with the introduction of natural fibre elements utilised in motorsport, set to replace carbon fibre, and an array of new driver aids and safety elements. More details of the Neue Klasse models will be provided closer to launch.
Fantastic article! With completely electric cars, BMW M is embracing electrification and redefining high performance standards, which is thrilling. The employment of cutting-edge technology, such as four independent motors and next-generation battery systems, demonstrates how electric M cars could operate on par with or even better than ICE vehicles. I adore it!