BMW’s renowned M division is on the brink of a groundbreaking achievement as it prepares to unveil its first-ever all-electric performance sedan, a concept that was once considered beyond the pale but is now set to redefine automotive excellence. Frank van Meel, the head of BMW’s M division, has teased extraordinary features for this upcoming electric vehicle (EV), hinting at a game-changing addition to the brand’s lineup.
The EV, based on BMW’s cutting-edge Neue Klasse platform, is scheduled for release in 2026 or 2027 and will stand alongside the traditional combustion-powered M3. Van Meel has divulged that the quad-motor configuration under development could deliver an astounding 1,341 horsepower (1,000 kW), equivalent to one megawatt of power, marking a new pinnacle in automotive engineering.
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Van Meel expressed utmost confidence in BMW’s technological prowess, asserting, “Our e-motors will set a new standard, much like the revered S68 engine of the M5 and the S58 of the M3 and M4.” He boldly claimed that the new EV “will surpass anything you have ever seen,” indicating its exceptional performance potential.
Industry experts anticipate BMW’s electric performance sedan to become the fastest-accelerating car in the brand’s storied history, with an expected 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of less than 3 seconds. The vehicle is poised to feature advanced water and oil-cooled e-motors, coupled with an 800-volt electrical system for rapid DC charging. Van Meel also hinted at unique battery chemistry for improved performance, along with an enhanced cooling system.
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Beyond sheer power, BMW’s electric motors will enable precise torque control at each wheel, elevating the car’s dynamic capabilities to new heights. Van Meel likened the driving experience to a journey through “Alice in Wonderland,” underscoring BMW’s commitment to delivering a driving feel that is “neutral, linear, and predictable.”
In addition to the quad-motor flagship, BMW is exploring a two-motor variant with rear-wheel drive, offering a similar driving experience with slightly reduced power. There are also talks of a fully-fledged M version of the Neue Klasse X SUV, signaling BMW’s ambition to expand its EV portfolio in the future.
