In the not too distant future, models from BMW‘s M division could receive electrically-assisted drivetrains and autonomous technologies.
At the Paris Auto Show, member of the board of management at BMW AG, Ian Robertson, told the press that electrification technology will find its way into M-branded vehicles.
“BMW M is enjoying its most successful period in history, it has got the broadest range of cars, they are sold out around the world and ultimately I see [electrification] technology that can move in both directions here,” he said.
Car Advice logically suggests that the roll-out of electrification to M models will start with subtle levels of hybridisation aimed at marginally improving both performance and fuel economy. Eventually, all-electric powertrains like those from the i-divison will find their way into M models.
Robertson went on to say that the brand can continue to build the “ultimate driving machine”, even with the implementation of autonomous features.
He made an example of how a 7-Series can be driven at high-speeds at the discretion of the driver and then in bumper-to-bumper traffic, drive itself without any driver assistance. Seemingly them, impending new M models could adopt similar self-driving functions.
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