BMW M spied testing quad-motor electric powertrain

BMW has committed to electric mobility, and that commitment extends to the automaker’s BMW M performance division.

BMW has already introduced the i4 M50, i5 M60, iX M60 and i7 M70 M Performance models, but for the main course – i.e. a dedicated M car – it is exploring a major step forward in performance.

As early as 2022, BMW M announced it was testing a quad electric powertrain and a related chassis control system designed to direct power where it’s needed. At the time, a powertrain test mule was revealed using the body of the i4 M50, but with elements from the M3 and M4 to help improve cooling and torsional rigidity.

A more advanced version of the test mule has now been spotted in cold weather testing. It has a series of unique elements, such as the grille and rear diffuser, and there is no shortage of swollen fenders, necessary to make room for the electric motors. There are two motors on each axle, allowing each wheel to be controlled individually.

BMW M Quad Engine Powertrain Test Mule Spy Shots – Photo Credit: Baldauf

Individual control enables precise and infinitely variable torque distribution. Using various sensors, as well as driver input through steering angle and accelerator pedal position, torque distribution can be optimized to suit the conditions, for example providing extra grip on slippery surfaces or helping the vehicle maintain be stable on a curve.

The powertrain is also being developed to deliver linear power, something BMW M said is a core feature of its vehicles. This means that BMW M’s electric vehicles may not push the occupant’s head back like many of the high-powered EVs on sale today. An example of this linear power delivery has already been introduced in the Rolls-Royce Spectre.

No details about the battery used for testing have been released. BMW is known to be preparing a sixth-generation battery design for its upcoming Neue Klasse EVs, and these could potentially appear in the first M electric car. The batteries feature cylindrical cells (rather than the current prismatic cell design) and, along with other improvements, should result in a 30% range improvement over current BMW EVs.

BMW M hasn’t said when its first electric M car will arrive. Rumor has it that this test mule may actually be a prototype for a future i4 M, although the powertrain tested here could be for an M version of an upcoming Neue Klasse vehicle. There are also rumors that the next M5 will offer an electric powertrain as an alternative to the standard V-8 hybrid setup.