As the automotive world’s electrification revolution continues at full speed, performance enthusiasts have a new date to circle on their calendars. BMW has officially started the countdown for its first fully electric BMW M model, which is scheduled to hit the roads in 2027. This groundbreaking vehicle, featuring a quad-motor setup with one motor per wheel and superior technologies, aims to set a new benchmark in its segment.
What Will the New Electric BMW M Model Offer?
Previously, BMW had released M-badged versions of models like the i4, iX, and i7. However, the Bavarian manufacturer always emphasized that these were not “true” M cars in the same vein as an M3 or M5. While more powerful than their standard counterparts, these performance-oriented versions did not fully embody the pure driving dynamics and track capability that form the core of the M philosophy. The new model, set to be unveiled in 2027, is coming to completely change this perception. It will be the first M model built on BMW’s next-generation electric vehicle architecture, the “Neue Klasse” platform.
This new platform represents the latest in software-defined vehicle concepts. Instead of dozens of different electronic control units, a few powerful central computers will manage all of the vehicle’s functions. One of these computers controls the infotainment system, another handles autonomous driving and active safety systems, while a third manages more basic tasks like climate control. However, the technology that makes the electric M model truly special is the fourth and most crucial computer, dubbed the “Heart of Joy”.
The “Heart of Joy” runs the proprietary “BMW M Dynamic Performance Control” software, developed exclusively by M engineers. This system controls the vehicle’s four electric motors in milliseconds, delivering incredible response time and precision. Operating many times faster than the electronic dynamic control systems in current M models, this technology perfectly adjusts how much power and torque is sent to each wheel instantaneously. As a result, the vehicle promises unprecedented grip and agility in corners, during acceleration, and under challenging road conditions.
Quad-Motor Power and M-Specific Battery Technology
At the heart of the new electric M model are four electric motors, each driving one wheel. For this configuration, BMW M has developed two M-specific drive units, one for the front and one for the rear. Each unit contains two motors arranged in parallel, with a transmission on each side. Above these units sits the power electronics that control everything.
Power is supplied by a high-voltage battery designed specifically for M performance. With a net capacity expected to be over 100 kWh, this battery is not just focused on range but is also optimized for maximum power delivery. It uses cylindrical cells, which offer lower internal resistance and increased power density. Furthermore, a new dual-sided cooling system and a unique cell layout ensure the battery maintains its performance even under the most demanding track conditions.
Innovations to Enhance Driver Interaction
One of the biggest criticisms of electric performance cars is their failure to deliver the mechanical feel and driver engagement of internal combustion engine vehicles. To solve this, BMW is adopting a feature highly praised in Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N: a simulated gear-shifting mode. Using paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, the system will mimic gear changes by altering the mapping of the accelerator pedal and regenerative braking. This feature aims to make driving more engaging by giving the driver a greater sense of control and an experience reminiscent of a traditional transmission’s sound and feedback. Of course, drivers who do not want this feature can turn it off at any time.
In addition, sustainability is also a central theme of the Neue Klasse platform. The M model will use a natural fiber-based composite material called Bcomp instead of traditional carbon fiber. This material provides an excellent strength-to-weight ratio without compromising on performance, all while emitting 40 percent less carbon dioxide during its production process.
In conclusion, BMW’s first true electric M model is preparing to be a trailblazer not only with its impressive power but also in the fields of driving dynamics, driver interaction, and technology. When it hits the roads in 2027, it could symbolize the beginning of a new era in the world of performance cars.
So, what are your thoughts on the new electric BMW M model? Share your opinions with us in the comments!
