The future is electric and BMW M knows that well, which is why they built a quad-motor EV prototype to test their performance-focused technologies. The zero-emission prototype which combines body panels from both the i4 and the M4 was spied during winter testing, flaunting its wide body kit on the snow.
BMW M’s first EV prototype was first shown in August 2022 and made a spy appearance in December. However, this is the first time our spy photographers caught it on the move. It still wears the camouflage wrap with the white, red, and blue graphics in a black shade, but that doesn’t really hide its bodywork.
Read: BMW M EV Prototype Blends i4 And M4 Looks With A Quad Motor Setup
The EV looks like a BMW i4 on steroids, thanks to the wide front and rear fenders, and the aggressive face which comes from the M3/M4 as is the case with the mirrors. The grille is sourced from the M4 CSL, and unlike other electric vehicles, it is not blocked. The prototype also comes with miss-matching wheels and a roof-mounted antenna which is likely some sort of measuring equipment.
While the exterior is rather cool, it only serves the purpose of testing and doesn’t hint at a future production model. What is more important for the future range is what lies underneath the body panels. BMW confirmed that it comes fitted with quad electric motors, allowing each wheel to be controlled independently for advanced torque vectoring features. In fact, this new and experimental version of the fully-variable M xDrive four-wheel-drive system will allow tank-turn donuts and other crazy stuff.
While the Bavarian company didn’t reveal the performance, rumor has it that the electric powertrain produces somewhere between 1,000-1,200 hp resulting in an “unprecedented level of performance”. In terms of chassis setup, the bespoke suspension integrates components from the ICE-powered M3/M4 as with the large brakes.
It is only a matter of time before BMW M unveils its first fully electric production model and we can’t wait to hear more about it in future scoops, reports, or teasers. Frank Van Meel, BMW M boss, previously said that the brand will take a “crazy” direction with the next-gen M3, which could incorporate the tech from this test bed. Hopefully, BMW M will show us some sort of a concept car in the next few years, exploring the abilities of the fully electric powertrain.
