BMW begins testing its first high-performance electric car

The performance division of BMW takes a further step in its transformation toward electric mobility with its latest prototype, a test vehicle that debuts a large set of systems controlling the chassis and transmission, worthy of becoming the most radical electric model from BMW M GmbH.

Based on a BMW i4 M50, the new vehicle from the Bavarian brand will feature an advanced all-wheel-drive system made up of four electric motors – one at each wheel – and an integrated vehicle dynamics control system, redefining, in the brand’s words, “the combination of dynamics, agility and precision that characterises BMW M cars.”

A key moment

This year, BMW M has turned 50, and to celebrate it properly it has presented major models such as the aforementioned i4 M50, the BMW iX M60 or the i7 M70, not forgetting the M3 Touring or the BMW XM, the first high-performance vehicle with a hybrid V8 under the bonnet.

Thanks to the published image accompanying this news, we can see the styling of this new fully electric coupé, which features wide wheel arches in the style of BMW M, along with very sporty bumpers and side skirts that are strongly reminiscent of the M4.

The most innovative system on this prototype is its all-wheel-drive system, which allows a very variable and precise distribution of torque, since within just a few milliseconds the power and torque of its electric motors can be apportioned according to demand, based on throttle input, steering angle, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, or wheel speed.

Inside this prototype, an advanced measurement technology has been fitted to analyse every detail in the test laboratory and precisely optimise each of its components, something that characterises BMW M cars.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackBMW i43 versions · from 58,650 €