In the lead-up to the weekend’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, BMW revealed the long-awaited M version of its all-electric new-generation cars. The M Concept Neue Klasse, adapted from the new i3 production EV (see Futurride‘s coverage here), is said to showcase the new M design language and “be a clear signal” for the brand’s all-electric future, combining expressive design, high performance, and innovative materials.

“The new BMW M design language forms the expressive spearhead of the Neue Klasse—determined and purposeful,” said Oliver Heilmer, Head of Design for BMW Compact Class, Neue Klasse, and BMW M. “At BMW M, form consistently follows function. Every detail serves performance. This project is truly special to me because it carries the BMW M character into a new era.”

“It’s an incredibly rare opportunity to contribute to the redefinition of icons for a brand like M,” added Michael Scully, Head of BMW M Design. “We want to reference the incredible heritage that we have at the same time. If you look at an E30, that linkage of motorsport and M has been that way from the beginning.

“M’s iconography has been very related to the powertrain,” he continued. “And obviously, if we transition into an electrified future, maybe those icons should change because there should be a direct connection from the powertrain externally. Bold, intense, and focused are the critical pillars for M design going forward.”

Powerful proportions, precise lines, and a muscular shoulder section with wide wheel arches define the car’s “M character.” Numerous M-specific design measures optimize aerodynamics, including the reinterpreted M aero exterior mirrors. A distinctive air outlet shapes the V-shaped front hood, supporting the cooling of the electric drivetrain.

The front’s forward-facing shark nose gets a light signature with depth effect for the headlights and kidney grille that form a single unit. The car’s new M Yellow Lights are set to become a new signature feature of future BMW M automobiles, referencing GT racing cars and the BMW M Hybrid V8, the sports prototype race car built by BMW M and Dallara for the LMDh (Le Mans Daytona h) regulations.

The front and rear bumpers/aprons of the concept adopt a trimaran-style bumper, a form inspired by high-speed sailing boats. The three-part design provides structural support for the splitter aerodynamic element at the front lower edge and the rear diffuser. Another new lighting feature for future BMW M automobiles is the three-dimensional Track Lights located in the outer sections of the aprons. At the trailing edge of the trunk lid, a ducktail spoiler improves aerodynamics and increases rear-axle downforce.

 

New M dynamics

The concept represents the next chapter in the M dynamics, agility, and precision to elevate the driving experience and racetrack capability to a new level.

“The next generation of models is set to establish a new benchmark in the high-performance vehicle segment,” said Franciscus van Meel, Managing Director of BMW M GmbH. “With the latest generation of Neue Klasse technology, we are taking the BMW M driving experience to a new level and will inspire our customers with outstanding, racetrack-ready driving dynamics for everyday use.”

The fully electric drivetrain redefines the brand’s dynamics are said to combine “driving pleasure with racetrack capability in an unprecedented way.” Long-range, high-charging performance via an 800-V E/E architecture is combined with highly efficient energy recuperation to make the fully electric BMW M models a versatile everyday companion.

The architecture with centrally controlled individual wheel drive opens a new dimension of driving dynamics. Significant gains in driving dynamics are also the result of the forward-looking central control and electronics architecture of the Neue Klasse.

Four high-performance computers, known as Superbrains, unite computing power for driving dynamics (Heart of Joy), automated driving, infotainment, and basic and comfort functions. In addition to enhanced overall performance through accelerated data exchange, the next-generation M models also benefit from faster updates and upgrades.

At the core of the new architecture is M eDrive, which is based on the BMW Gen6 technology of the Neue Klasse. In combination with the M-specific Heart of Joy control software, the M Dynamic Performance Control unlocks greater potential in driving dynamics and safety for high-performance vehicles. Additionally, the system enables maximum recuperation and optimum traction up to the limit—as well as more direct response.

In all electric M models, each of four electric motors drives one wheel, but the front axle can be completely decoupled. The result is M’s renowned rear-wheel-drive dynamic characteristics, enhanced efficiency, and increased range on longer motorway journeys. For the M driving experience and enhanced drivability, there are predefined driving modes, simulated gear shifts, and a new “soundscape.”

BMW says that the M eDrive drive units feature a high power density and are the most powerful drives M has ever used. In both drive axles, the electric motors are arranged in parallel, each delivering power to one gearbox per wheel. Each drive unit integrates the electric motor inverter and oil supply. The system enables precise control of torque and power at each individual wheel, allowing for optimal traction, continuous torque distribution between the braking system and electric motors, and brake energy recuperation up to the limit. The result is said to be an M driving experience never achieved before.

The high-voltage battery, with over 100 kW·h of usable energy, has also been specifically adapted to meet the demands of high-performance vehicles—with the focus on compatibility with road and racetrack use. This is achieved through a “Design to Power” approach, featuring a performance-optimized variant of the Gen6 cylindrical cell.

Supporting this, the cooling system and the Energy Master—the intelligent control center of the battery located outside the pack—have been optimized for higher power outputs. With the M-specific solution, the Gen6 battery in the fully electric high-performance models delivers greater peak and charging performance—and offers the highest recuperation values.

The battery housing serves as a structural component of the vehicle and is connected to the front and rear axles, the higher resulting stiffness of the overall vehicle also leads to improved driving dynamics.

 

Innovative materials and lightweight construction

Apart from innovations related to driving performance, the higher-tech theme of the car is also reflected by new, innovative materials and lightweight construction, which have always played an important role in high-performance models. For the first time, BMW will introduce natural fiber elements in the fully electric M high-performance model lineup.

The brand gained significant experience starting in 2019 in durability, production, and integration using natural fiber in motorsport. The material offers similar properties to carbon fiber but can be produced with around 40% less CO2e.

Natural fiber is used in exterior and interior elements of the concept, for example, in the front splitter, hood air outlet, and diffuser. It is not only used in its pure form but also in a refined finish with M branding in the roof graphic.

The new Monza Red metallic paint finish and the red-and-blue coded center-lock wheels strengthen the visual link to BMW M and motorsport.

Inside, the concept is geared toward the driving experience. Four new bucket seats provide support in highly dynamic driving situations and integrate structural elements made from natural-fiber materials. Red five-point belts emphasize the sporty support. The seat upholstery in Bathurst Blue and Berry Red picks up the BMW M colors in a two-tone Merino leather finish.

For the first time in an M vehicle, high-quality black nubuck leather is used—on the steering wheel, door panels, and roll bar. The floating dashboard is finished in black knit material and features M-specific hexagonal backlighting. Red accents on the M gear selector, shift paddles, M steering wheel, and in digital displays add targeted sporty highlights in the cockpit.