Electric BMW M Models: Systems Designed to Simulate the Sports Car Experience
BMW has shared fresh signs of life regarding its upcoming Neue Klasse-based electric M models, revealing technical details intended to convince even the most hardened skeptics. The Bavarians are preparing a new generation battery pack with a usable capacity exceeding 100 kWh, but the real hook of the story lies elsewhere. Specifically, BMW will equip its future electric performance cars with a virtual gear shift function. It appears the engineers cannot come to terms with the linear power delivery of electric vehicles and are attempting to software-mimic the rhythm characteristic of fuel combustion to preserve the brand's signature driving pleasure.
Developers confirmed that the new flagships will feature four electric motors, meaning each wheel possesses its own individual reduction gear. This solution is expected to take vehicle control to an entirely new level, enhancing both dynamics and energy regeneration capabilities. Furthermore, these cars can switch drive types from all-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive depending on whether the driver wishes to conserve range or simply burn through tires. Accompanying the latter activity is a specially developed sound system designed to fill the void where a six-cylinder engine once roared.
The exact power output of the motors remains a closely guarded secret, yet BMW has already promised that these will be the most powerful machines in the brand's history. The battery block created to power them will be integrated directly into the body structure, with its thermal regulation optimized specifically for aggressive track driving. To reduce body weight, composite materials made from natural fibers are being used; these boast properties similar to carbon fiber but are more environmentally friendly. The manufacturer even released a photo of a roof panel produced with this new technology to prove that ecology and sportiness can go hand in hand.
The first fully electric M model will likely be a sedan similar in size to today's M3, sharing its platform with the upcoming i3. While BMW tests these new-age prototypes, they have not yet completely turned their backs on internal combustion engines. In parallel, they are developing a new generation of the fuel-powered 3 Series, which will feature a similar but not identical design. The first sports cars based on the Neue Klasse architecture are expected to hit the roads in 2027, marking the point where software and simulations begin to definitively replace traditional mechanics.
