BMW M will launch its first fully electric high-performance vehicles from 2027, marking a fundamental shift for the German manufacturer’s performance division into electrification.
The BMW M Neue Klasse will introduce a four-motor electric drivetrain system called BMW M eDrive, with each wheel driven by an individual electric motor. This setup enables what BMW calls “M Dynamic Performance Control” for enhanced driving dynamics and safety.
“The next generation of models are set to establish a new benchmark in the high-performance vehicle segment,” said 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 system allows the front axle to be completely decoupled, enabling traditional rear-wheel drive characteristics when required. BMW says this combines the advantages of rear-wheel and all-wheel drive while enhancing efficiency and range, particularly during motorway driving.
Four-motor electric architecture
Each of the four electric motors in the BMW M eDrive system drives one wheel directly. The drive units integrate the electric motors, inverters for motor control, and oil supply systems. BMW describes these as the most powerful drives the M division has ever used.
The setup enables precise torque and power control at each wheel, allowing for optimal traction and continuous torque distribution between the braking system and electric motors. The system also supports brake energy recuperation up to the vehicle’s limits.
BMW says the architecture will include simulated gear shifts, various predefined driving modes, and a newly developed soundscape to maintain the characteristic BMW M driving experience in electric form.
High-voltage battery system
The BMW M Neue Klasse will feature a high-voltage battery with more than 100kWh of usable energy, specifically adapted for high-performance applications. The battery uses a performance-optimised variant of BMW’s Gen6 cylindrical cell technology.
The system incorporates 800-volt technology for high charging performance and what BMW describes as highly efficient energy recuperation. The battery housing serves as a structural component of the vehicle, connected to the front and rear axles to increase overall vehicle stiffness and improve driving dynamics.
BMW says the cooling system and Energy Master control centre have been optimised for higher power outputs to support both road and track use.
BMW M will introduce natural fibre elements in the electric performance models for the first time. The company says it has gained experience with natural fibre materials in motorsport since 2019.
According to BMW, natural fibre offers similar properties to carbon fibre but can be produced with approximately 40% less CO2 emissions during manufacturing.
The BMW M Neue Klasse represents BMW’s strategy to transfer its performance brand DNA to electric vehicles while maintaining what the company describes as racetrack capability for everyday use. The models will be built on a new architecture featuring four high-performance computers that BMW calls “Superbrains” to manage driving dynamics, automated driving, infotainment, and comfort functions.
BMW Australia has not yet announced local availability or pricing for the BMW M Neue Klasse models.
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