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BMW M’s high-performance vehicles will soon deliver the ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ experience in electric form. From 2027, BMW M will usher in a new era in the high-performance vehicle segment and, for the first time, bring 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 next generation of models are set to establish a new benchmark in the high-performance vehicle segment,” says Franciscus van Meel, Managing Director of BMW M GmbH. “With the latest generation of Neue Klasse technology, we are taking the BMW M driving experience to a new level and will inspire our customers with outstanding, racetrack-ready driving dynamics for everyday use.”
The future model generation embodies the DNA of the high-performance brand with authenticity and advances the distinct BMW M driving experience. The fully electric drivetrain redefines the brand’s dynamics, combining driving pleasure with racetrack capability in an unprecedented way. Long range, high charging performance thanks to 800-volt technology, and highly efficient energy recuperation make the fully electric BMW M models a versatile everyday companion. The newly developed architecture with centrally controlled individual wheel drive opens up a new dimension of driving dynamics and further increases the driving safety of all BMW M next-generation vehicles.
The significant gains in driving dynamics are also the result of the forward-looking central control and electronics architecture of the Neue Klasse. Four high-performance computers, known as “Superbrains,” unite computing power for driving dynamics (“Heart of Joy”), automated driving, infotainment, as well as basic and comfort functions. In addition to enhanced overall performance through accelerated data exchange, the next-generation BMW M models also benefit from faster updates and upgrades.
Innovative BMW M eDrive concept with fully integrated M Dynamic Performance Control.
The BMW M models 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 potentials in driving dynamics and safety for high-performance vehicles. Additionally, the system enables maximum recuperation and optimum traction right up to the limit, as well as a more direct response.
In all electric models of BMW M, 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, for example, on longer motorway journeys. For the unmistakable BMW M driving experience and enhanced drivability, various predefined driving modes, simulated gear shifts, and a newly developed soundscape come into play. These are just a few examples of how BMW M channels pure emotion into the fully electric BMW M models, making it felt in every single drive.
The electric drive units of BMW M eDrive are characterised by high power density and are the most powerful drives BMW M has ever used. In both drive units, the electric motors are arranged in parallel, each delivering power to one gearbox per wheel. The drive units also integrate the inverter for controlling the electric motors and the oil supply. The system enables precise control of torque and power at each individual wheel, allowing for optimal traction, continuous torque distribution between the braking system and electric motors, as well as brake energy recuperation right up to the limit. The result is a driving experience in BMW M production vehicles that has never been achieved before.
Powerful high-voltage battery for high peak performance and faster charging.
The high-voltage battery, boasting over 100 kWh of usable energy as the powerhouse for the BMW M eDrive system, has also been specifically adapted to meet the demands of high-performance vehicles. The focus remains on compatibility with both road and racetrack use. This is achieved through a “Design to Power” approach, featuring a performance-optimized variant of the Gen6 cylindrical cell. Supporting this, the cooling system and the Energy Master — the highly intelligent control center of the battery located outside the battery pack — have been optimized for higher power outputs. With BMW M specific solutions, the Gen6 high-voltage battery in the fully electric high-performance models delivers even greater peak and charging performance. Additionally, the BMW M models with Gen6 technology offer the highest recuperation values. The high-voltage battery housing also serves as a structural component of the vehicle and is connected to the front and rear axles. The higher resulting stiffness in the overall vehicle also leads to improved driving dynamics.
Innovative lightweight design with first-time use of natural fibre elements.
Apart from innovations related to driving performance, high-tech will be also reflected by new and innovative materials. Lightweight construction has always played an important role in high-performance models. Therefore, BMW M will introduce for the very first-time natural fibre elements within the fully electric BMW M high-performance model line-up.
The brand gained significant experience in durability, production, and integration using natural fibre in motorsport since 2019. This material offers similar properties to carbon fibre but can be produced with around 40 per cent less CO2e.