BMW Balances Electric and Gasoline M Cars, Confirms Quad-Motor EV Plans

• Future electric BMW M cars will feature a quad-motor system for enhanced performance.

• Prototypes include upgrades like carbon-ceramic brakes and reinforced subframes.

• BMW plans to balance electric and gasoline M models through the late 2020s.

BMW M has announced that all future fully electric M vehicles will feature a quad-motor setup. The confirmation came during a behind-the-scenes development video showcasing the company’s ongoing efforts to adapt its high-performance heritage to electric drivetrains. While fully electric M models are still a few years away, the brand has already begun testing prototypes based on the i4 M50.

Carsten Wolf, Head of Overall Vehicle Development BMW M, revealed that the quad-motor system aims to enhance performance and capabilities. According to Wolf, the configuration will deliver unprecedented performance, quality, and features you can’t imagine today. Current prototypes also feature a range of enhancements, including carbon-ceramic brakes, a stiffer body, and re-engineered subframes for improved handling.

The surprisingly candid video also highlighted the challenges faced during development. One segment captured an i4 M50 prototype being jump-started by an X7 after experiencing technical issues. Engineers replaced the AC compressor to fix an undisclosed problem. Still, additional work was needed as the front motors had to be replaced before the vehicle could return to testing. These early prototypes are being refined before a presentation to BMW M’s board of directors, a rare occurrence that has already given preliminary approval for an electric M3-like sedan.

BMW plans to release its first fully electric full-fat M model in 2027 or 2028. While the electric lineup will expand in the coming years, BMW M has confirmed that gasoline-powered models will continue to play a role in its portfolio. The next-generation internal combustion M3, codenamed “G84,” is expected to enter production in mid-2028. Reports suggest it will feature all-wheel drive and automatic transmission only, sadly.

Source: Motor1