BMW M Begins Testing Four-Motor Electric Drivetrain
BMW is committed to electric mobility, and that commitment extends to the BMW M Performance division.
The BMW hot house has already unveiled the i4 M50 and iX M60 M Performance models, but is looking for a significant step up in performance for its main dish, or M-specific vehicles.
BMW M unveiled a test mule on Wednesday with a four-motor electric powertrain and associated chassis control system designed to direct power where it is needed; according to BMW M, the testing of the test mule's hardware and software systems is part of a future part of the preparation of future high-performance electric vehicles.
The test mule is based on the i4 M50, but incorporates elements of the M3 and M4 to improve cooling and torsional rigidity and to make room for the electric motors (note the bulging fenders). With two motors on each axle, each wheel can be controlled individually.
By using a variety of sensors as well as the driver's intentions, such as steering angle and accelerator pedal, torque distribution can be optimized according to the situation, such as increasing grip on slippery surfaces or stabilizing the vehicle in curves.
At the same time, the powertrain is developed to achieve linear output characteristics.
"Electrification gives us a whole new degree of freedom to create dynamics that are uniquely M," said Dirk Hecker, head of development for BMW M, in a statement."We want BMW's high-performance sports cars to continue to offer the unmatched combination of dynamics, agility and precision that is unmistakably M, even in a regionally emission-free future.
BMW M has not revealed when the first M-specific car with an electric drivetrain will be available. However, it is likely that the upcoming M5 will offer an electric drivetrain as an alternative to the standard V8 hybrid setup. There are also rumors of a BMW M electric sports car, perhaps based on the upcoming M2.
