BMW Develops Electric M3, Brings 100 kWh Battery Pack and Quad-Motor

JAKARTA - The era of all-electric performance cars from BMW M is just a matter of time. The German manufacturer ensures that the first model of its new generation of electric performance cars will be presented through the electric BMW M3 which is scheduled to debut in 2027.

This car will be the opening of the road for the BMW M line powered by batteries built on the sixth generation technology of the Neue Klasse family. From here, a series of innovations typical of the M division will be translated into the EV world, ranging from aggressive driving characteristics to precision control that is claimed to have never been achieved before.

Launching Carscoops, Wednesday, January 14, BMW said the core of the M3 electric drive system is in the four-motor (quad-motor) configuration. Two motors are placed on the front axle, while the other two motors are in the back.

Interestingly, each motor drives one wheel. This scheme opens up the opportunity for very detailed torque distribution for each wheel, so that the car's response can be made sharper and more measurable when driven in various conditions.

Regarding power, BMW is still reluctant to reveal its official figures. However, the company gave a signal, it is not impossible that the electric Neue Klasse model in the future can have a power output of up to four digits.

The motors work in parallel with the power distribution to a special gearbox per wheel. Where, complete with an inverter in each drive unit for more precise power regulation.

The news that is likely to make BMW M fans interested, is that the manufacturer also confirms that the front axle can be completely removed. This means that the car can be converted to rear-wheel drive (RWD) when the driver wants a purer driving sensation.

In addition to adding excitement, this RWD mode is also said to increase efficiency and extend mileage. For its energy source, BMW has prepared a 100 kWh battery pack with the latest cylindrical cells.

The distance traveled will depend on the model and driving settings, but BMW insists that the battery pack is designed to withstand the heavy load of use on the race track.

To compensate for the larger weight of the electrical system, BMW M will also equip its performance EV models with lightweight natural fiber components, in order to reduce the total weight while maintaining the typical agile character of the M division.

Interestingly, the entire system will be controlled by a high-performance control unit called 'Heart of Joy'. This module is tasked with regulating all processes related to the driving experience such as wheel and steering control, working together with four high-performance computers.