BMW has announced a strategic shift that marks the beginning of a new era for its high-performance M division. Case in point, the brand just confirmed that fully electric BMW M models will set new standards for dynamic capability and usability in the premium performance segment.
Scheduled for launch in 2027, the upcoming BMW M Neue Klasse generation represents the first time the legendary M brand will be built exclusively on an electric drivetrain architecture. According to BMW M GmbH Managing Director Franciscus Van Meel, the new architecture will deliver outstanding racetrack-ready driving dynamics for everyday use, transitioning the M brand’s DNA from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) platforms to a fully electric future.
At the heart of this transformation is the BMW M eDrive system, based on the brand’s next-generation Gen6 technology. Its drivetrain features four independent electric motors, one per wheel, each paired with bespoke control software. BMW says this approach combines the agility of rear-wheel-drive with the traction-holding advantage of all-wheel-drive. In addition, this setup allows for optimized torque distribution, maximum recuperation at all speeds, and greater control at the limits of both on and off the track.
Behind the electric motors, a performance-optimized high-voltage battery exceeding 100 kWh usable energy underpins the new M models. Engineers have tailored the battery’s coding and energy management systems to support sustained output and rapid charging, while also using its structural integration to increase overall chassis stiffness.
The new architecture’s central computing framework integrates control for driving dynamics, automated driving, infotainment, and convenience functions. This system enables faster data exchange across vehicle systems and supports over-the-air (OTA) software updates to improve performance and functionality over time.
BMW says advanced materials such as natural fiber composites, employed for the first time in a high-performance M model, will also contribute to weight savings without compromising structural integrity. For BMW, this development is a foundation to electrifying its performance heritage.
