[ad_1]
BMW’s portfolio contains a number of M-badged electric cars, like the iX M60, however each full-blown M mannequin launched to this point has been piston-powered. That is set to alter within the coming years: BMW M has began testing a battery-powered, i4-based prototype with 4 motors.
The take a look at mule is an evolution of the i4 M50 sedan with punched-out wheel arch flares and front-end components borrowed from the M3/M4 duo. Whereas that is an attention-grabbing proposition by itself, it is what’s beneath the physique that counts: energy comes from 4 electrical motors (one per wheel) that ship through-the-road all-wheel-drive. BMW M hasn’t launched particulars like horsepower, weight, and driving vary, nonetheless.
BMW notes that assigning every wheel its personal motor unlocks a number of advantages together with exact, variable, and fast torque distribution. In principle, the prototype will be front-, rear-, left-, or right-wheel-drive. The motors are linked to a central management unit that displays plenty of parameters, like highway circumstances and the driving fashion, and distributes torque accordingly. It could actually make modifications in mere milliseconds.
There isn’t any phrase but on what the long run holds for this wide-bodied i4. BMW explains that it is testing the prototype in real-world circumstances to collect knowledge in regards to the powertrain and high quality tune it, but it surely hasn’t introduced plans to carry the mannequin to collection manufacturing.
Associated video: