The Future of BMW M: Uncompromising Electric High Performance

At BMW M, high performance has never been just about engine output – it’s about driving dynamics, precision, emotion and technology as well. It’s about motorsport technology that thrills on the road. In 2027 BMW M will open a new chapter: fully electric, uncompromising and on a whole new level. For the first time, the BMW Group is taking the DNA of its high-performance BMW M brand fully into the electric future – powered by Neue Klasse technologies. At its core lies a specially enhanced modular architecture that’s been meticulously refined to meet the most exacting standards of driving dynamics. The new model generation represents more than just a change in powertrain – it’s a shift in perspective. The fully electric powertrain redefines BMW M’s signature handling, bringing two worlds closer than ever: sheer driving pleasure on the road and uncompromising performance on the racetrack. The fully electric BMW M models are designed as versatile day-to-day companions, offering long-distance range and exceptional charging performance – thanks to 800-volt technology and highly efficient energy recuperation. At the same time, the newly developed vehicle architecture with centrally controlled individual-wheel drive unlocks an entirely new dimension of driving dynamics, while further enhancing safety across the next generation of BMW M models. The new generation is like an orchestra – but rather multiple conductors, it is synchronised by precise technology. Every motion is perfect, every response instantaneous. The centrepiece of the new BMW M generation is the BMW M eDrive, built on BMW Gen6 technology. With each wheel powered by its own electric motor, the new concept leaves conventional all-wheel solutions far behind. Working in concert with the M-specific Heart of Joy control software – BMW M Dynamic Performance Control – torque and power can be precisely managed at each wheel. The result? Optimised traction, razor-sharp responsiveness and maximum control right up to the limits of driving dynamics – on dry or wet surfaces. Together, the two electric drive units on the front and rear axle combine all the advantages of rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. And with the front axle completely decouplable, BMW M has engineered a particularly clever solution: signature rear-wheel-focused handling paired with enhanced efficiency – for example on longer stretches of motorway. Performance at BMW M has never been purely rational – and the latest generation of fully electric models remain true to that emotional core. Multiple driving modes adapt the vehicle for an enhanced experience, whether in everyday driving, on country roads or out on the racetrack. Simulated gear shifts and a newly developed BMW M soundscape carry familiar elements of classic M models into the world of electromobility. The result is not an artificial show but a seamless, responsive driving experience – precise, controlled and coherent throughout. With their exceptional power density, the electric drive units of the BMW M eDrive are the most powerful ever used in a BMW M production vehicle. Within each unit, the electric motors are arranged in parallel, each delivering power to a single wheel via its own dedicated gearbox. The inverter and the oil supply are also fully integrated into the drive units, enabling exceptional precision in controlling torque at every wheel. One of the most exciting innovations is the continuous torque distribution between the electric motors and the braking system. This enables brake energy recuperation right to the dynamic limit – a technical balancing act that boosts both efficiency and performance. With more than 100 kWh of usable energy, the high-voltage battery is purpose-built for the demands of high-performance vehicles. In developing it, BMW M remained true to its Design to Power approach, creating an optimised variant of the Gen6 cylindrical cell for superior sustained output and high peak performance. Meanwhile, optimised cooling and a high-performance Energy Master ensure high outputs are available not only for short bursts but whenever required. The BMW M models also offer the highest recuperation capability of any Gen6-based system. And there’s another ingenious feature: the high-voltage battery housing doubles as a structural component, forming a fixed connection between the front and rear axles. This increases overall stiffness – directly and noticeably enhancing driving dynamics. The electronic architecture of the Neue Klasse forms the invisible nervous system of BMW M’s fully electric models. Its four high-performance computers – known as Superbrains – combine computing power for driving dynamics, automated driving, infotainment as well as basic and comfort functions. Accelerated data exchange enables faster response times and elevates overall system performance. The new model generation also benefits from faster updates and upgrades throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle – delivering clear value for customers. At BMW M high performance has always gone hand in hand with lightweight engineering – and the upcoming high-performance BMW M models will take this approach even further. For the first time, they will feature natural-fibre elements. In implementing these solutions, BMW M draws on its own extensive motorsport experience. Since 2019 the brand has been building up know-how in durability, production and integration of natural fibre, which has similar properties to carbon fibre but emits around 40 percent less CO₂e during production. BMW M combines technical excellence with tangible contributions to CO₂ reduction – all without compromising performance or quality.