BMW M has revealed the all-electric BMW M Concept Neue Klasse at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It uses four electric motors, 800-volt technology and a 100kWh-plus battery, controlled by BMW M Dynamic Performance Control. The concept previews a new design language and powertrain technology for future production BMW M models.
BMW M has revealed the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse, an all-electric performance concept that uses four electric motors and an 800-volt drivetrain, at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France.
The Munich-based performance division used the concept to introduce a new design language and powertrain technology for future production M cars. The vehicle previews BMW M’s first all-electric model.
At the center of the car is the BMW M eDrive concept, which pairs four electric motors with central control software called BMW M Dynamic Performance Control, run on a high-performance computer that BMW calls Heart of Joy. The wheel-specific control of the drivetrain and braking systems is intended to improve traction, recuperation and response. The system is based on the Neue Klasse’s Gen6 technology.
The concept uses 800-volt technology and a high-voltage battery with an energy content of more than 100kWh. BMW says the pack uses an M-specific version of its sixth-generation cylindrical cells, optimized for high output during both energy delivery and charging. The battery housing is structurally integrated with the front and rear axles to contribute to driving dynamics.
The car introduces design features that BMW says will carry over to future M models. New M Yellow Lights, which reference grand touring (GT) racing cars and the BMW M Hybrid V8 endurance racer, are set to become a signature element across future BMW M road cars. Three-dimensional Track Lights appear in the outer sections of the front and rear aprons. The front and rear use a three-part trimaran-style bumper design inspired by high-speed sailing boats, with the rear adding a ducktail spoiler for downforce.
Natural fiber elements feature in the front splitter, the bonnet air outlet and the diffuser. BMW says it is the first time the material has been used not only in pure form but also in a refined finish, with M branding in the roof graphic. The concept wears a newly developed Monza Red metallic paint and red-and-blue coded center-lock wheels.
“The new BMW M design language forms the expressive spearhead of the Neue Klasse – determined and purposeful,” said Oliver Heilmer, head of design for BMW Compact Class, Neue Klasse and BMW M. “At BMW M, form consistently follows function. Every detail serves performance. This project is truly special to me because it carries the BMW M character into a new era.”
Inside, the concept features four bucket seats with structural elements made from natural fiber, two-tone Merino leather upholstery in Bathurst Blue and Berry Red, and red five-point belts. Black nubuck leather is used on the steering wheel, door panels and roll bar, marking the first use of the material in a BMW M vehicle. The floating dashboard is finished in black knit material with M-specific hexagonal backlighting.
“Even in the new all-electric era, we continue the M-typical tradition of transferring both technological innovations and defining design features directly from motorsport into series production,” said Franciscus van Meel, chairman of the board of management of BMW M GmbH.
