BMW M begins testing electric drivetrain

If you’ve been keeping a close eye on BMW’s latest movements, it probably won’t come as a surprise that the M division is now shifting its focus to all-electric drivetrains.

Testing of an electric concept vehicle has recently begun, putting EV hardware and software through its paces for the future of the BMW M brand’s performance vehicles.

The concept features a four-wheel drive system consisting of four electric motors which is said to provide “an unprecedented level of performance and experience.” Each motor is connected to a central control unit that permanently monitors the driving conditions and driver input.

Engineers have used the BMW i4 M50 as their test subject, grafting the front end of the M3/M4 onto it in the process. Wider arches also house performance-oriented front and rear axle designs.

However, it’s not over for the internal combustion powered M car just yet though with BMW still set to reveal the next generation M2 in the coming months. The recent reveal of the BMW M3 Touring also adds one last bit of life to the iconic straight six M cars are known for.

The bar for the fully electric M car has been set high if it wants to continue the ultimate driving lineage defined by M for the past 50 years.