The beginning of a new era: fully electric BMW M models set unrivalled high-performance standards. – AutoMart Canada

Munich. BMW M’s high-performance vehicles will soon
deliver the ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ experience in electric form.
From 2027, the BMW M Neue Klasse will usher in a new era in the
high-performance vehicle segment and, for the first time, bring BMW
M’s motto, “Born on the racetrack. Made for the streets. Core of a
passionate community”, to life with a fully electric drivetrain. “The
next generation of models are set to establish a new benchmark in the
high-performance vehicle segment,” says Franciscus van Meel, Managing
Director of BMW M GmbH. “With the latest generation of Neue Klasse
technology, we are taking the BMW M driving experience to a new level
and will inspire our customers with outstanding, racetrack-ready
driving dynamics for everyday use.”

The future model generation embodies the DNA of the high-performance
brand with authenticity and advances the distinct BMW M driving
experience. The fully electric drivetrain redefines the brand’s
dynamics, combining driving pleasure with racetrack capability in an
unprecedented way. Long range, high charging performance thanks to
800-volt technology, and highly efficient energy recuperation make the
BMW M Neue Klasse a versatile everyday companion. The newly developed
architecture with centrally controlled individual wheel drive opens up
a new dimension of driving dynamics and further increases the driving
safety of all BMW M next-generation vehicles.

The significant gains in driving dynamics are also the result of the
forward-looking central control and electronics architecture of the
Neue Klasse. Four high-performance computers, known as “Superbrains,”
unite computing power for driving dynamics (“Heart of Joy”), automated
driving, infotainment, as well as basic and comfort functions. In
addition to enhanced overall performance through accelerated data
exchange, the next-generation BMW M models also benefit from faster
updates and upgrades.

Innovative BMW M eDrive concept with fully integrated M
Dynamic Performance Control.

The BMW M Neue Klasse has been developed from the ground up. At
the core of the new architecture is BMW M eDrive, which is based on
the BMW Gen6 technology of the Neue Klasse. Each wheel is driven by an
electric motor. In combination with the M-specific control software of
the ‘Heart of Joy’, the ‘BMW M Dynamic Performance Control’ unlocks
completely new potentials in driving dynamics and safety for
high-performance vehicles. Additionally, the system enables maximum
recuperation and optimum traction right up to the limit, as well as a
more direct response.

In all electric models of the BMW M Neue Klasse, two electric drive
units on the front and rear axles, each with one electric motor per
wheel, ensure driving performance expected from BMW M. Each of the
four electric motors drives one wheel. This concept combines all the
advantages of rear-wheel and all-wheel drive while enhancing driving
dynamics on the road and racetrack. Additionally, the front axle can
be completely decoupled. The result is BMW M’s renowned rear-wheel
drive with its dynamic driving characteristics, enhanced efficiency,
and increased range, for example, on longer motorway journeys. For the
unmistakable BMW M driving experience and enhanced drivability,
various predefined driving modes, simulated gear shifts, and a newly
developed soundscape come into play. These are just a few examples of
how BMW M channels pure emotion into the fully electric BMW M models,
making it felt in every single drive.

The electric drive units of BMW M eDrive are characterised by high
power density and are the most powerful drives BMW M has ever used. In
both drive units, the electric motors are arranged in parallel, each
delivering power to one gearbox per wheel. The drive units also
integrate the inverter for controlling the electric motors and the oil
supply. The system enables precise control of torque and power at each
individual wheel, allowing for optimal traction, continuous torque
distribution between the braking system and electric motors, as well
as brake energy recuperation right up to the limit. The result is a
driving experience in BMW M production vehicles that has never been
achieved before.

Powerful high-voltage battery for high peak performance and
faster charging.

The high-voltage battery, boasting over 100 kWh of usable energy
as the powerhouse for the BMW M eDrive system, has also been
specifically adapted to meet the demands of high-performance vehicles.
The focus remains on compatibility with both road and racetrack use.
This is achieved through a “Design to Power” approach,
featuring a performance-optimized variant of the Gen6 cylindrical
cell. Supporting this, the cooling system and the Energy Master — the
highly intelligent control center of the battery located outside the
battery pack — have been optimized for higher power outputs. With BMW
M specific solutions, the Gen6 high-voltage battery in the fully
electric high-performance models delivers even greater peak and
charging performance. Additionally, within the Gen6 technology, the
Neue Klasse models offer the highest recuperation values. The
high-voltage battery housing also serves as a structural component of
the vehicle and is connected to the front and rear axles. The higher
resulting stiffness in the overall vehicle also leads to improved
driving dynamics.

Innovative lightweight design with first-time use of natural
fibre elements.

Apart from innovations related to driving performance, high-tech
will be also reflected by new and innovative materials. Lightweight
construction has always played an important role in high-performance
models. Therefore, BMW M will introduce for the very first-time
natural fibre elements within the fully electric BMW M
high-performance model line-up.

The brand gained significant experience in durability, production,
and integration using natural fibre in motorsport since 2019. This
material offers similar properties to carbon fibre but can be produced
with around 40 per cent less CO₂e.

In case of queries, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Christophe Koenig, Head of BMW M GmbH and BMW M Motorsport
Communications
Telephone: +49-89-382-56097
E-mail: Christophe.Koenig@bmw.de

Alexandra Landers, Head of Product and Brand Communication
BMW
Telephone: +49-89-382-30871
E-mail: Alexandra.Landers@bmw.de