New Delhi: BMW is one of the leading automakers in the world, known for its premium and performance-oriented vehicles. The company’s M division, which specializes in high-performance models, is also undergoing a transformation towards electric mobility, aiming to preserve and enhance the distinctive characteristics of its cars.
BMW has already launched the all-electric BMW i4 M50, a four-door coupe that offers impressive performance and dynamics. The company has also announced the upcoming BMW iX M60, an electric SUV with a sporty character, and the BMW i7 M70, the first electric luxury sedan from the M division.
However, BMW is not stopping there. The company has recently unveiled a prototype of a new electric drive system that could power the next generation of its iconic M3 and M4 models. The prototype, based on the BMW i4 M50, features a four-wheel drive system with four electric motors and an integrated driving dynamics control system, which together provide an unprecedented level of performance and experience.
How does the new electric drive system work?
The new electric drive system is based on an electric M xDrive four-wheel drive system with four electric motors. Each wheel is driven by an electric motor, which allows for infinitely variable, extremely precise, and very fast distribution of drive torque. The power and torque of the electric motors can be adjusted within milliseconds, according to the load demand signaled via the accelerator pedal.
This means that the driver can experience a new level of dynamics, agility, and precision in different driving situations and road conditions. The electric motors also react spontaneously, providing instant acceleration and responsiveness.
The prototype also features a modified body in typical BMW M style, with wide wheel arches that accommodate specially designed high-performance front and rear axle designs. The front end of the vehicle also features an adapted body strut concept taken from the BMW M3 and M4 series for high torsional rigidity in dynamic driving situations. The arrangement of the radiator units is also based on the configuration developed for the current high-performance sports cars.
When will the next-gen BMW M3 and M4 be launched?
BMW has not revealed any specific details about when the next generation of its M3 and M4 models will be launched or what they will look like. However, according to some reports, the company could introduce them as early as 2027 or 2028.
The company has also not confirmed whether the next-gen M3 and M4 will be purely electric or offer multiple engine options. However, according to BMW M CEO Frank van Meel, a decision will be made based on whether the electric models can beat the current combustion engine models in terms of performance.
“Electrification opens up completely new degrees of freedom for us to create M typical dynamics,” van Meel said. “We can already see that we can exploit this potential to the maximum so that our high-performance sports cars will continue to offer the M-typical and incomparable combination of dynamics, agility, and precision in the locally emission-free future.”
