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Following the seemingly endless celebrations for the 50-year anniversary of BMW M, the efficiency division of the Bavarian model introduced they began testing prototypes with totally electrical powertrains. These are based mostly on the BMW i4 M50 however include quad electrical motors, a brand new driving dynamics management system, and a revised chassis setup.
Whereas electrical efficiency fashions from BMW, together with the i4 M50 and iX M60, have already seen the sunshine of day, with the i7 M70 set to comply with in 2023, we now have but to see a full-blown M EV. That is going to vary sooner or later, with BMW M doing its greatest to organize for the all-electric period, with the purpose of retaining an “emotional driving expertise” in future zero-emission sportscars.
The primary check automobile for the event of “modern drive and chassis management techniques” relies on the BMW i4 M50. It does nonetheless deliver some distinctive options. Beginning with the outside design, the prototype will get a face transplant from the ICE-powered M3 / M4, a wider physique, and a particular livery. Surprisingly, the large grille and bumper intakes stay uncovered, in all probability helping with the cooling of the EV powertrain and different mechanical parts. The inside of the prototype has additionally been modified, with measuring expertise making it appear like a “rolling check laboratory”.
Additionally Learn: BMW Hasn’t Entirely Abandoned The Idea Of An M-Branded Supercar
Extra necessary modifications are hidden below the physique. BMW M added a quad-electric motor powertrain with an built-in driving dynamics management system. Thus, within the new and fully-variable M xDrive four-wheel-drive system, every wheel is managed independently by a central management unit based mostly on plenty of calculations. The suspension can also be modified, with entrance struts sourced from the M3 / M4 bringing larger torsional rigidity.
The automaker didn’t reveal the mixed energy output of the quad-motor i4 prototype, however we count on some fairly spectacular figures as they speak about an “unprecedented degree of efficiency”. Within the official video, we will see the automotive performing a donut-style tank turn, though it seems that this half was created with the assistance of CGI. As a reminder, the standard i4 M50 that can also be depicted within the video has twin electrical motors producing 536 hp (400 kW / 544 PS) and 586 lb-ft (795 Nm) of torque. As for the vary, vitality recuperation from all 4 motors throughout braking will ship again some juice to the high-voltage battery.
BMW claims that “due to the significantly delicate dosage of drive torque and conversion with out perceptible latency, considerably larger cornering speeds could be achieved, even on rain-soaked or snow-covered roads”. On this context, Dirk Häcker, Head of Growth at BMW M GmbH, mentioned: “Electrification opens up utterly new levels of freedom for us to create M-typical dynamics. And we will already see that we will exploit this potential to the utmost, in order that our high-performance sports activities automobiles will proceed to supply the M-typical and incomparable mixture of dynamics, agility, and precision within the domestically emission-free future.”
We don’t know if the quad-motor BMW i4 M50 will end in a manufacturing mannequin however the expertise showcased by it’ll most certainly discover its approach into future BMW M fashions. Thoughts you, the automaker will quickly launch the production version of the XM as its new flagship, coming with a V8-based plug-in hybrid powertrain.
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