BMW's electric M future starts here. Meet the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse.
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The M version of BMW’s new i3 electric sedan promises to take the performance division to new dynamic heights, and the M Concept Neue Klasse gives us our closest indication yet of what that may look like.
While this admittedly won’t sit well with many petrolheads accustomed to the acoustics of BMW’s S58 straight-six engine, it is widely believed that BMW is also working on a heavily updated version of the current internal-combustion M3. It is believed that the latter, along with its ICE 3 Series sibling, will continue on an updated version of the current KLAR platform while sporting a new look inspired by the i3 and potentially a hybrid powertrain to make it future-proof.
BMW M is going electric, and it isn't holding back.
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But let’s get back to the battery-powered concept vehicle that was revealed at Le Mans this weekend. BMW says its new M Concept Neue Klasse sets a clear signal for the brand’s all-electric future. Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear signal as to how powerful it will be, although UK publication Autocar cites insider intel suggesting it could produce around 1,000 horsepower, or 745kW in metric speak.
What we do know is that the M Concept features four electric motors in an all-wheel-drive system with a BMW M Dynamic Performance Control software system that provides wheel-specific control of the drivetrain and braking systems. BMW says its new eDrive system opens up new potential for driving dynamics and safety, with highly direct response, significant recuperation performance and optimal traction right up to the limit.
It also boasts serious long-range driving capability thanks to a battery with an energy content of more than 100kWh and an 800-volt electrical architecture. Even the advanced cylindrical cells have been specifically optimised for high output when delivering energy to the electric motors and during charging.
Wide wheel arches and aggressive aero give the M Concept Neue Klasse a distinctly muscular stance.
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The concept’s exterior design is based on the recently revealed i3, but is significantly muscled up with wide wheel arches, a distinctive shoulder line, bolder bumpers and other aerodynamic enhancements.
M-specific features include reimagined aero mirrors, a V-shaped bonnet air outlet to help cool the electric drivetrain, and a shark-nose front end with a new lighting signature featuring M Yellow Lights inspired by GT racing cars and the BMW M Hybrid V8.
Let’s not forget the all-important aero elements, such as the front splitter, floating rear diffuser and prominent ducktail spoiler, which are designed to improve airflow and increase downforce.
Four bucket seats and red harnesses make it clear that performance remains the priority.
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The cockpit is unashamedly driver-focused and minimalist, with a floating dashboard trimmed in black knit material and featuring M-specific hexagonal backlighting.
Occupants perch in four newly developed bucket seats featuring natural-fibre structural elements and upholstered in two-tone Merino leather finished in Bathurst Blue and Berry Red, in tribute to BMW M's signature colours.
It remains to be seen just how much of this concept will translate into BMW M’s upcoming compact performance model, but there is reason to believe that the finished product will certainly be something to excite electric-car fans. Traditional M fans could be another story, though.