Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW M division to use i electric car tech

Future BMW M cars could use tech developed by the firm's i electrification team to boost performance

BMW i8 and BMW i3 studio

BMW's M division is actively in talks with the firm’s i electrification team about incorporating the technology in performance cars, it has emerged.

The German brand is introducing electrification across more of its range with every new model iteration - and the latest 3 Series is tipped to get an all-electric version at some point during its life cycle. But up to now, the M models have steered clear of technology designed primarily for fuel efficiency.

Advertisement - Article continues below

All the latest from the 2019 Geneva Motor Show

However, speaking to Auto Express at the Geneva Motor Show, Robert Irlinger, the boss of the i division at BMW, said that his team was already working with M to deliver electrification in performance cars.

“You will see electrified vehicles in M division as well,” Irlinger said. “We are in talks with all of the other BMW Group brands and sub-brands - Rolls-Royce, MINI and yes, M division - and you will see electrification coming across onto their products. It will be at differing levels, of course, but it will happen. We are working with them, right now. 

He added: “There are some real advantages from incorporating electric power into performance vehicles. You have immediate torque delivery which can give you acceleration while a combustion engine is still thinking about it. These advantages we will spread to the whole brands, in a specific way.”

Would you look to see hot BMW i M models? Let us know your thoughts below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Editor-at-large

John started journalism reporting on motorsport – specifically rallying, which he had followed avidly since he was a boy. After a stint as editor of weekly motorsport bible Autosport, he moved across to testing road cars. He’s now been reviewing cars and writing news stories about them for almost 20 years.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

2025 BMW iX3 previewed in official prototype guise
BMW iX3 front end in camouflage

2025 BMW iX3 previewed in official prototype guise

This is our first official image of BMW’s Neue Klasse generation
News
20 Nov 2024
New Renault 5 is one of the cheapest EVs in the UK
Renault 5 Geneva - front

New Renault 5 is one of the cheapest EVs in the UK

The Renault 5 starts from just under £23k and will be available to order from January next year
News
19 Nov 2024
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2024, 2025 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2024, 2025 and beyond

These are the biggest and most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
6 Nov 2024
New powertrains now available for BMW 1 Series, 5 Series Touring in MY2025 update
BMW 1 Series 2024 facelift - front tracking

New powertrains now available for BMW 1 Series, 5 Series Touring in MY2025 update

Mid-spec all-wheel drive 123 xDrive, plus 520 and M550e Tourings join the range, adding new ICE-powered options
News
30 Oct 2024

Most Popular

A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success
Opinion - cheap EV

A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success

Mike Rutherford thinks there would be demand for an electric car with a modest 100-mile range if it only cost £10k
Opinion
17 Nov 2024
New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer
New Jaguar logo 1

New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer

Jaguar has revealed its new logos and styling details ahead of its transition into a luxury EV brand
News
19 Nov 2024