BMW has not yet said exactly which form a future M EV could take, but the test mule is based on the i4 M50, with widened wheel arches to fit different front and rear axles. It also uses structural components from the M3 and M4 to improve torsional rigidity. Testing began in virtual models and on test benches before being put on the road.
Beyond providing more power, BMW says that having a motor at each wheel will also open the door for more precise tuning, with the ability to instantly send power to individual wheels. The four motors are connected to one central control unit which determines where to send power based on factors like pedal position, steering angle, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, and wheel speeds.
We don't know yet exactly when this new powertrain will go into production, but EVs have already begun to disrupt BMW's performance hierarchy. Although the i4 M50 is not meant to be a full-bore M model on the same level as the M3 and M4, it is already nipping on the heels of its gas-powered siblings in our acceleration testing. The electric i4 M50's 3.3-second sprint to 60 mph
BMW Why the enormous grille? 👎
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BMW 0-60 in 1 second!!!! (range is 80 miles though) LMFAO