- BMW M shares the first part of the story of its quad-motor EV test process and how it got approved.
- It published a video with testimonials from those involved and footage of the i4 M50-based prototype used for testing and approval.
- BMW M intends to make quad-motor performance cars, which will become M’s performance pinnacle models.
The Rimac Nevera is probably the most exciting EV to drive, but that’s not only because of its 2,000 horsepower output (it would still be ludicrously quick with half that). It all comes from using a quad-motor setup with advanced torque vectoring that can dramatically vary how the car behaves. Now imagine that same level of power and control but in a much more attainable (and possibly even four-door and wagon) body.
We’ve known for a while that BMW’s Motorsport division was looking to create quad-motor M cars, and the manufacturer has even shared some details and photos. But now this is the first time when BMW has shown the i4 M50-based quad-motor prototype, and it is quite exciting.
BMW M released a video showing the stages of testing and preparation it undertook to organize a drive event for the company’s board members. They are the ones who will ultimately decide if the company goes through with the quad-motor EV project, and they were apparently left speechless after experiencing the test mule.
There is surely a lot more that BMW isn’t showing us. The i4-based prototype is old now, and there are surely more advanced ones in testing right now. In the blurb accompanying the video, BMW notes that “at various secret test sites, the engineers are working flat out to develop the first fully electric high-performance M model.”
The manufacturer explains that “The fact that all four wheels are each driven by their own electric motor opens up completely new possibilities. Within milliseconds, the power and torque of the spontaneously reacting electric motors can be controlled with a precision that is unattainable with conventional drive systems.” This should result in more predictable and fun handling, bringing the driving experience closer to that of a combustion-powered M car.
BMW will keep selling combustion M cars in the future, but the electric models will represent the performance pinnacle with outputs as high as 1,000 horsepower. We know an electric M3 equivalent is in the works, which should debut as a production model in 2027 or 2028.
One of the very first performance EVs had a quad-motor setup, and it was a hoot to drive: the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive unveiled in 2012. Its four motors produced 750 hp combined, which allowed the car to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standstill in 3.9 seconds, but they also bestowed it with great agility.
But that car was launched over 10 years ago. It was very expensive and low-volume and EVs have improved considerably since. There hasn’t been a sporty quad-motor EV since except for the Rimac Nevera and its sister car, the Pininfarina Battista, but those cost in the millions. BMW will offer attainable quad-motor EVs, likely starting a trend that could take over the sporty EV segment since it gives such a competitive edge.
