BMW M has revealed that it will introduce the electric BMW M Neue Klasse in 2027, marking a new era in high-performance vehicles and, for the first time, bringing 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,” commented Franciscus van Meel, managing director of BMW M. “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 fully electric drivetrain provides long-range, high-charging performance with 800V technology and efficient energy recuperation, making the BMW M Neue Klasse a versatile everyday vehicle. Its newly developed architecture, featuring centrally controlled individual wheel drive, reportedly opens a new dimension in driving dynamics and enhances the safety of all next-generation BMW M vehicles.
The Neue Klasse’s advanced central control and electronics architecture also improves the driving dynamics. Four high-performance computers, called Superbrains, manage driving functions, automated driving, infotainment and comfort features. This setup enhances performance through faster data exchange and allows next-generation BMW M models to receive quicker updates and upgrades.
BMW M eDrive concept
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.
BMW says that M Dynamic Performance Control, using M-specific Heart of Joy software, enhances driving dynamics, safety, traction, recuperation and responsiveness.
The Neue Klasse features two electric drive units on the front and rear axles, each with one electric motor per wheel. Each of the four electric motors drives one wheel. This combines 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.
BMW M eDrive’s electric drive units are BMW M’s most powerful, with parallel motors powering each wheel via dedicated gearboxes. 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 wheel, enabling optimal traction, continuous torque distribution between the braking system and electric motors, and brake energy recuperation right up to the limit.
High-voltage battery
The high-voltage battery, boasting over 100kWh of usable energy as the powerhouse for the BMW M eDrive system, has been adapted to meet the demands of high-performance vehicles.
With a focus on compatibility with both road and racetrack use, BMW’s Design to Power approach uses a performance-optimized Gen6 cylindrical cell with an enhanced cooling system and the Energy Master control unit, enabling higher power outputs for road and track use. 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 resulting higher stiffness leads to improved driving dynamics.
In related news, DAF launches electric trucks with long-range LFP batteries and modular powertrains
