BMW's Electric M Cars: Quad Motors, Fake Shifts, and a 'Heart of Joy' in 2027!

TL;DR: BMW M is electrifying its legendary performance cars, with the first fully electric M models arriving in 2027. They'll feature radical quad-motor powertrains, innovative simulated gear shifts, and a dedicated 'Heart of Joy' computer to deliver what BMW calls "performance levels you've never seen."

Meta: BMW M reveals plans for quad-motor electric M cars by 2027, complete with simulated gear shifts.

Alright, gearheads, listen up! The internal combustion engine might be hitting its twilight years, but BMW M, the legendary performance division, ain't going down without a fight. They're electrifying their core, and by 2027, we're gonna see the first-ever fully electric M cars hit the road. And trust me, these ain't just regular EVs with an M badge slapped on. We're talking quad-motor powertrains, simulated gear shifts, and a whole lot of tech designed to redefine "ultimate driving machine."

Philipp Brunn, head of the BMW M Neue Klasse project, says these electric M cars will achieve "performance levels you've never seen in a BMW M production car as of now." That's a bold claim, but the tech backs it up. Unlike the dual-motor iX3, all Neue Klasse M cars will boast four motors, one for each wheel. This allows for lightning-fast, independent control of each wheel, promising driving dynamics that could blow current M cars out of the water. We're talking Rimac Nevera-level tech trickling down to mass production, folks!

More Than Just Motors: Software, Sound, and Super Batteries

BMW's not just throwing motors at the problem. They've developed new drive units that house two independent motors, two gearboxes, an inverter, and a lubrication system all in one compact housing. Plus, the front axle can mechanically disconnect for extra efficiency on the highway. This is engineering at its finest, promising unprecedented horsepower, torque, and acceleration figures that will "reach new heights."

The tech goes deeper. These M cars will leverage BMW's simpler, more powerful Neue Klasse electrical architecture, making systems 10 times faster than before. The "Heart of Joy" – a central computer handling powertrain and driving dynamics – gets M-specific software for even sharper responses. And for those who miss the visceral feel of a gas engine? BMW's adding simulated gear shifts and "M-specific sounds" to the mix. Hyundai's Ioniq 5 N pioneered this, and Porsche's jumping in too. Imagine swapping between the growl of a vintage 2002's four-cylinder and a modern V-8 M5's roar, all in an EV. That's a party in your ears!

The Power Pack for Performance

At the core of it all is an 800-volt Neue Klasse battery pack, but with some serious upgrades for M duty. It'll use cells with extra cooling, prioritizing power delivery over energy density, leading to higher output and faster charging, even if it means slightly less overall range. The pack will be over 100 kWh, and the battery management system is overhauled to handle those extreme energy peaks. Plus, it's integrated with the vehicle and suspension in more places, stiffening the car for maximum agility.

While battery weight and charging times remain challenges for high-performance EVs, BMW is clearly doing its homework, adapting its M philosophy for the electric age. They've shown they can deliver impressive EVs with their Neue Klasse tech, and now they're aiming to satisfy even the most skeptical enthusiasts. Can they pull it off? We'll have to get behind the wheel to find out, but it sounds like they're bringing the heat.

What’s Next

Anticipate more details on the specific models (likely electric M3 and M5 equivalents) and their performance specs as we get closer to 2027. This launch will be a major test of whether traditional performance brands can successfully translate their driving philosophy into the electric era, particularly for discerning enthusiasts. BMW's success could pave the way for other legacy automakers to truly embrace high-performance EVs.

So, get ready to shift gears, even if they ain't real ones. BMW's coming for ya, and it's gonna be electric! Boom!