Fully electric BMW's "Neue Klasse" also reaches the M models

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Last year, BMW showcased an M3 with up to 18,000 Nm of torque. The manufacturer has now confirmed that the model with four electric motors will go into series production in 2027.

With the BMW M Neue Klasse, BMW M will inaugurate a new developmental stage in the high-performance vehicle segment starting in 2027. For the first time, the brand's characteristic M standards for driving dynamics, precision, and track capability will be fully implemented in an all-electric form. The goal is to redefine the current understanding of high performance without compromising everyday usability. To this end, BMW has already unveiled a concept vehicle in Spartanburg, USA, featuring four motors and up to 18,000 Nm of torque.

The electric M-DNA

The Neue Klasse has been completely redeveloped and consistently carries the classic M-DNA into the electric era. The fully electric drive serves as the foundation for a new dynamic driving architecture. BMW M pursues a holistic approach that is technically integrated both on the road and on the racetrack.

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Key features include high long-distance capability, an 800-volt architecture for fast charging, and highly efficient recuperation. This combination makes the BMW M Neue Klasse equally suitable for everyday use and sporty driving.

Central electronic architecture with four high-performance computers

A key component for the new level of driving dynamics is the completely redeveloped electronics and control architecture. Four so-called "super brains" combine the computing power for driving dynamics (called "Heart of Joy"), automated driving, infotainment, as well as basic and comfort functions.

The central structure enables significantly faster data exchange between the systems. In addition to enhanced performance, future models benefit from shorter update cycles and higher upgrade capability throughout the entire lifecycle.

BMW M eDrive: Individual wheel drive

The core of the drive technology is the BMW M eDrive based on the Gen6 technology of the Neue Klasse. Whether the motors have the torque of the prototype has not been confirmed. However, each wheel is powered by its own electric motor. This architecture enables an unprecedented level of precision in torque distribution.

In combination with the M-specific control software "BMW M Dynamic Performance Control," integrated into the "Heart of Joy," new degrees of freedom for traction, stability, and driving dynamics are achieved. Torque and braking power are continuously regulated per wheel, including recuperation up to the dynamic limits.

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Variable drive concepts for efficiency and performance

All fully electric BMW M models of the Neue Klasse feature two drive units on the front and rear axles, each with two electric motors. This concept combines the benefits of rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, as one key feature is the ability to fully decouple the front axle. This creates a dynamically oriented rear-wheel drive, as known from BMW M, while simultaneously increasing efficiency on long distances. The driving experience is further enhanced by predefined driving modes, emulated gear shifts, and a newly developed, M-typical soundscape.

High-performance battery system with structural function

The high-voltage battery has been specifically designed to meet the requirements of high-performance vehicles. With a usable capacity of over 100 kWh, BMW M relies on a performance-optimized version of the Gen6 round cell ("Design to Power").

Optimized cooling, an external Energy Master as the central battery control unit, and exceptionally high recuperation and charging performance enable consistently high power output. Additionally, the battery housing serves as a structural component in the vehicle. Its solid connection with the front and rear axles increases overall rigidity and measurably contributes to driving dynamics.

Lightweight construction and sustainability: Natural fibers in high-performance vehicles

In addition to the drivetrain and electronics, lightweight construction continues to play a central role. BMW M is using natural fiber elements for the first time in its fully electric high-performance models. These are based on experiences from motorsport since 2019.

The material has comparable mechanical properties to carbon fiber but causes approximately 40 percent fewer CO₂e emissions during production. In this way, BMW M combines performance standards and sustainability at a structural level.

With the BMW M Neue Klasse, no electric replacement for classic M vehicles is being created, but rather an independent performance platform. From 2027, it will become clear how consistently the prototype is implemented in series production. (mr)