Rahul Somvanshi
BMW has big news for car enthusiasts: their upcoming electric M cars will handle better than their current gas-powered models. BMW is installing four electric motors – one for each wheel. This setup helps the car grip the road better, especially when turning corners at high speeds.
“We want these cars to feel just as special as our current M models,” says Franciscus van Meel, who leads BMW’s M division. His team is developing specific high-voltage batteries and electric motors that will balance performance and efficiency.
To make sure these cars work in real-world conditions, BMW is testing their prototypes in some of the toughest places imaginable. The vehicles undergo testing on frozen lakes in Sweden, where the slippery conditions help them perfect how the car handles in all situations.
For drivers who appreciate BMW’s engine sounds, the company has a solution. The electric M3 will come with specially designed sounds that mimic BMW’s straight-six engine. It’s like having the best of both worlds – electric power with traditional BMW character.
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At the heart of these new cars is what BMW calls a “central brain.” Instead of having separate control units for steering, brakes, engine electronics, and stability control, everything works together through one system. This means the car can react faster to driver inputs.
The first of these new electric M cars should launch in 2027. Code-named “ZA0,” it will be similar in size to the current M3 sedan. BMW is building it on their new electric car platform, called Neue Klasse.
BMW’s approach shows how electric cars are changing. While electric cars typically weigh more than gas-powered ones due to their batteries, BMW believes their new technology will overcome this challenge. The four-motor setup allows for optimal friction coefficient at all times, enabling previously unknown cornering speeds.
However, some questions remain. BMW hasn’t yet revealed complete details about the battery technology being used or its long-term performance capabilities. These details matter to potential buyers.
This move by BMW shows how performance cars are evolving. While change can be challenging for car enthusiasts, BMW is trying to prove that electric power doesn’t mean giving up the exciting driving characteristics that made M cars famous.
