It’s been awhile since we last saw BMW’s quad-motor prototype, but it’s back in action and sporting a number of updates.
While the ‘Ashley’ prototype appears virtually identical to the car seen last year, a closer inspection reveals a handful of changes including a new front splitter and triangular flaps. The model also has a new camo wrap as well as what the spy photographer claimed is a “completely new bonnet.”
The updates continue out back as the car has been equipped with a new rear lip spoiler and a revised bumper featuring carbon fiber accents. We can also see what appears to be an upgraded braking system with red calipers and what look like larger discs.
That’s an extensive list of updates and it’s worth noting engineers seemed to be protective about this particular prototype. As the spy photographer explained, they were relatively nonchalant when testing the original prototype last week. Their attitude changed when they began driving the new model as, once they noticed the camera, security was called to put a stop to the impromptu photo shoot.
Given all of this, the spy photographer believes the car isn’t an experiment or a mule for a Neue Klasse-based model, but rather a prototype for an upcoming i4 M. That remains to be seen, but the i4 M50 has proven popular and the M3/M4 aren’t slated to embrace electrification until around 2027. That leaves plenty of time for a high-performance i4 M, although nothing is official at this point.
More: BMW M EV Prototype Blends i4 And M4 Looks With A Quad-Motor Setup
While there are more questions than answers at this point, the quad-motor powertrain was originally announced in 2022 and is expected to produce more than 1,000 hp (746 kW / 1,014 PS). It should also allow for advanced torque vectoring as well as tank turns.
