BMW Gives Insight Into Future Electrified M Cars
Some automakers and several models were forced to sacrifice driving pleasure while making the transition to electric vehicles and dealing with the additional weight of batteries. They didn’t seem to have the expertise, time or cash to find adequate solutions.
BMW wants to do everything it can to preserve this important aspect, which is an integral part of its DNA. The BMW i4 and i5 sedans first gave us a preview of the Bavarian company’s vision. More recently, a next generation of EVs based on the brand new Neue Klasse platform (which is still compatible with internal combustion engines, just in case) made its debut, as we experienced during a test drive of the 2027 BMW iX3 50 xDrive. That electric crossover impressed us with sharp handling and performance belying its weight.
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Now, what about BMW M cars and SUVs? Today we got more details straight from the automaker—along with pictures of a camouflaged sedan, officially referred to as “BMW M Neue Klasse,” that sure looks like the new electric M3.
Four Electric Motors
The Neue Klasse platform is a marvel of engineering that incorporates an 800V architecture and a revolutionary new battery that can enable more than 600 km of range in the iX3. Max charging power is a whopping 400 kW, while the sixth-generation electric motors developed by BMW are both lighter and more efficient.
BMW M has taken the Neue Klasse’s capabilities to new heights, mind you. On the M Neue Klasse, you’ll find no fewer than four electric motors, mounted in parallel and located in the centre of the vehicle. Each motor delivers its power to a separate transmission connected to a single wheel via an axle. This allows the M Neue Klasse to optimize each motor for both acceleration and cornering. Furthermore, the front motors can be completely deactivated to provide a pure rear-wheel-drive experience.
The 100+ kWh battery benefits from its own proprietary M management and conditioning system. BMW says that it also plays a critical role in the torsional rigidity of the M Neue Klasse. Power and torque have not been specified, by the way. However, considering that the iX3 50 xDrive is rated at 463 horsepower with a dual-motor configuration, we can anticipate this new M model to deliver close to 1,000 horsepower. Imagine that.
Advanced Computing Power
Just like the iX3, the M Neue Klasse's “brain” is a series of four supercomputers that handle interior features like infotainment as well as advanced safety systems. One of these four is purely dedicated to driving dynamics. It works full-time to modulate not only power and torque distribution but also steering and regenerative braking every millisecond.
We’ve already tested similar technology in the iX3, but the difference here is the M-specific calibration. What’s more, the engineers have designed a series of drive modes specific to the M Neue Klasse, complete with fake gear shifts and sounds in true performance EV fashion.
While demand for electric vehicles has faded over the past year in North America, other markets such as China continue to enjoy sustained growth. BMW has made significant progress in this field without seemingly losing its identity. It will be very interesting to see how the German automaker manages to convince people to embrace this promising new platform—and also how it can adapt said platform to other powertrain applications if the market demands it.
