- The Neue Klasse-based model is being tested with four electric motors.
- This potent new EV should be the quickest-acceleration BMW ever.
- An 800-volt electrical architecture will underpin the model.
A few short years ago, the idea of an all-electric car from the BMW M brand sounded like sacrilege, but such a car is in the works, and based on statements made by the M division’s boss, it will be extraordinary.
BMW has been working on a powerful, quad-motor setup for quite some time and is expected to launch its first Neue Klasse-based performance sedan in 2026 or 2027. It will be sold alongside the combustion-powered M3 and M boss Frank van Meel has said the powertrain is good for as much as 1,341 hp (1,000 kW) or one Megawatt of power.
Read: BMW’s Neue Klasse Reimagined As The Electric M3 Of The Future
According to van Meel, the new EV “will beat everything you have ever seen.” To achieve such a lofty statement, BMW is developing its own electric motors and believes that like the S68 engine of the M5 and the S58 of the M3 and M4, its e-motors “will be a benchmark.”
Motor Trend anticipates the new electric performance sedan from the German brand will be the fastest accelerating car in its history, demolishing the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) sprint in less than 3 seconds. The e-motors could be water and oil-cooled, and an 800-volt electrical architecture will enable ultra-fast DC charging. Van Meel has also revealed that the batteries will have a different chemistry than those of other Neue Klasse models and that they will have an improved cooling system.
The use of electric motors won’t just allow BMW to chase monumental power figures. The automaker has engineered a system that can control the car’s chassis and precisely alter the torque at each wheel, improving the car’s dynamics and making BMW “feel like Alice in Wonderland,” according to van Meel. BMW’s M boss added it will have “neutral, linear, and predictable” handling.
BMW is also considering a two-motor performance EV that is sold exclusively with rear-wheel drive. This model would use similar hardware and software but have less grunt than the quad-motor version. A fully-fledged M version of the first Neue Klasse X SUV could also be a future addition to the firm’s EV family.
Note: This article contains renderings from Fully Leaded that are not related to nor endorsed by BMW.
