[Jason]

The beginning of a new era: fully electric BMW M models set unrivalled high-performance standards.



January 13, 2026

+++ BMW M transfers brand DNA to the Neue Klasse +++ BMW M eDrive offers four electric motors +++ Integrated BMW M Dynamic Performance Control +++ Performance-optimised high-voltage battery with increased charging capacity +++ Outstanding road and racetrack capability +++

Munich. BMW M’s high-performance vehicles will soon deliver the ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ experience in electric form. From 2027, the BMW M Neue Klasse will usher in a new era in the high-performance vehicle segment and, for the first time, bring BMW M’s motto, “Born on the racetrack. Made for the streets. Core of a passionate community”, to life with a fully electric drivetrain. “The next generation of models are set to establish a new benchmark in the high-performance vehicle segment,” says 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 future model generation embodies the DNA of the high-performance brand with authenticity and advances the distinct BMW M driving experience. The fully electric drivetrain redefines the brand’s dynamics, combining driving pleasure with racetrack capability in an unprecedented way. Long range, high charging performance thanks to 800-volt technology, and highly efficient energy recuperation make the BMW M Neue Klasse a versatile everyday companion. The newly developed architecture with centrally controlled individual wheel drive opens up a new dimension of driving dynamics and further increases the driving safety of all BMW M next-generation vehicles.

The significant gains in driving dynamics are also the result of the forward-looking central control and electronics architecture of the Neue Klasse. Four high-performance computers, known as “Superbrains,” unite computing power for driving dynamics (“Heart of Joy”), automated driving, infotainment, as well as basic and comfort functions. In addition to enhanced overall performance through accelerated data exchange, the next-generation BMW M models also benefit from faster updates and upgrades.

Innovative BMW M eDrive concept with fully integrated M Dynamic Performance Control.

The BMW M Neue Klasse has been developed from the ground up. At the core of the new architecture is BMW M eDrive, which is based on the BMW Gen6 technology of the Neue Klasse. Each wheel is driven by an electric motor. In combination with the M-specific control software of the ‘Heart of Joy’, the ‘BMW M Dynamic Performance Control’ unlocks completely new potentials in driving dynamics and safety for high-performance vehicles. Additionally, the system enables maximum recuperation and optimum traction right up to the limit, as well as a more direct response.

In all electric models of the BMW M Neue Klasse, two electric drive units on the front and rear axles, each with one electric motor per wheel, ensure driving performance expected from BMW M. Each of the four electric motors drives one wheel. This concept combines all the advantages of rear-wheel and all-wheel drive while enhancing driving dynamics on the road and racetrack. Additionally, the front axle can be completely decoupled. The result is BMW M’s renowned rear-wheel drive with its dynamic driving characteristics, enhanced efficiency, and increased range, for example, on longer motorway journeys. For the unmistakable BMW M driving experience and enhanced drivability, various predefined driving modes, simulated gear shifts, and a newly developed soundscape come into play. These are just a few examples of how BMW M channels pure emotion into the fully electric BMW M models, making it felt in every single drive.

The electric drive units of BMW M eDrive are characterised by high power density and are the most powerful drives BMW M has ever used. In both drive units, the electric motors are arranged in parallel, each delivering power to one gearbox per wheel. The drive units also integrate the inverter for controlling the electric motors and the oil supply. The system enables precise control of torque and power at each individual wheel, allowing for optimal traction, continuous torque distribution between the braking system and electric motors, as well as brake energy recuperation right up to the limit. The result is a driving experience in BMW M production vehicles that has never been achieved before.

Powerful high-voltage battery for high peak performance and faster charging.

The high-voltage battery, boasting over 100 kWh of usable energy as the powerhouse for the BMW M eDrive system, has also been specifically adapted to meet the demands of high-performance vehicles. The focus remains on compatibility with both road and racetrack use. This is achieved through a "Design to Power" approach, featuring a performance-optimized variant of the Gen6 cylindrical cell. Supporting this, the cooling system and the Energy Master — the highly intelligent control center of the battery located outside the battery pack — have been optimized for higher power outputs. With BMW M specific solutions, the Gen6 high-voltage battery in the fully electric high-performance models delivers even greater peak and charging performance. Additionally, within the Gen6 technology, the Neue Klasse models offer the highest recuperation values. The high-voltage battery housing also serves as a structural component of the vehicle and is connected to the front and rear axles. The higher resulting stiffness in the overall vehicle also leads to improved driving dynamics.

Innovative lightweight design with first-time use of natural fibre elements.

Apart from innovations related to driving performance, high-tech will be also reflected by new and innovative materials. Lightweight construction has always played an important role in high-performance models. Therefore, BMW M will introduce for the very first-time natural fibre elements within the fully electric BMW M high-performance model line-up.

The brand gained significant experience in durability, production, and integration using natural fibre in motorsport since 2019. This material offers similar properties to carbon fibre but can be produced with around 40 per cent less CO2e.

[MDM]

And here we go....!

[DocWeatherington]

Should be a good alternative to the M3

[KoenG]

There is a real chance that this car renders all other performance cars obsolete. It will be an absolute beast and it will pack a number of capabilities never seen before! Let it come!

[SFBavarianArea]

Wait.

So IS the EV M3 coming w/ a quad-motor setup?! Is this confirming it or what?!

That looks like the M3 prototype - not the technology tested - i4 thingy…

[G MONEY]

It better be faster than the Plaid or it’s a complete flop!!

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by G MONEY

It better be faster than the Plaid or it’s a complete flop!!

Well, the Plaid is only good in a straight line. The M3 will do many things well.

[hypersonic]

It’s clear that BMW is attempting to disprove the notion that EVs “don’t have a soul” by focussing on driving dynamics rather than just 0-60 and 1/4 mile times, which is great. Honestly Im hopeful that they’ll be able to make it work.

[FutureOG]

Originally Posted by SFBavarianArea

Wait.

So IS the EV M3 coming w/ a quad-motor setup?! Is this confirming it or what?!

That looks like the M3 prototype - not the technology tested - i4 thingy…

That is exactly what it reads like: quad motor.

Looks like the VDX is getting a street legal version.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by SFBavarianArea

Wait.

So IS the EV M3 coming w/ a quad-motor setup?! Is this confirming it or what?!

That looks like the M3 prototype - not the technology tested - i4 thingy…

Yes, this is official confirmation of quad-motors for Electric M3 EV.

[Bimmerfun82]

Sheesh this will be a monster

Not sure about the fake gear changes but presumably the feature can be turned off

[Scrapula]

Wow! I’m really excited about this. I thought they weren’t going to do the quad motor.

[G MONEY]

Originally Posted by Bimmerfun82

Sheesh this will be a monster

Not sure about the fake gear changes but presumably the feature can be turned off

Maybe bubbles out the exhaust tips

[Marcon71]

Just here for the comments 🍿 🙃

[ASAP]

anything about the weight?

I think the real question will be how much feel they can engineer into it... the Tesla model three performance is a pretty good performer but has zero feel

[Game]

I think it’ll do slightly better than the i4 M50/M60 but still nowhere near its ICE sibling.

[VirtualGuitars]

Can’t wait to see the M5 version of this.

[chicagofan00]

Cannot wait for this one!

[KoenG]

Originally Posted by G MONEY

It better be faster than the Plaid or it’s a complete flop!!

Did you actually read the info? This will be a disruptive upgrade from a plaid in so many ways.

[KoenG]

Originally Posted by ASAP

anything about the weight?

I think the real question will be how much feel they can engineer into it... the Tesla model three performance is a pretty good performer but has zero feel

Respectfully I don't entirely agree, the Tesla model 3 performance felt rather ok to my opinion. I have to add that my expectations were really low, but driving it, it felt well accomplished as a drivers' car.

[BegoodtoM]

Mo’ motors mo’ problems?

[KoenG]

Originally Posted by Game

I think it’ll do slightly better than the i4 M50/M60 but still nowhere near its ICE sibling.

Don't have any idea why you would assume this?

The tech they pack into this beast is ALL directed to drivers experience. It's (almost) all disruptive with what we've seen uptil, now. I'am pretty sure that it will be a overwhelming performance experience!

We will discover soon enough!