BMW M will use its Neue Klasse platform to deliver fully electric high performance models from 2027, positioning the brand as a technology leader in the next phase of EV development.
The German premium brand said the M Neue Klasse will transfer the brand’s motorsport DNA into an all electric drivetrain, combining everyday usability with racetrack capability and advanced vehicle architecture.
The Neue Klasse platform has been developed as a clear point of differentiation for BMW, designed to help the established premium brand defend its market position as competition intensifies from both new EV entrants and established rivals.
Central to this is a new electronic and control architecture that brings together computing power for driving dynamics, automated driving, infotainment and comfort systems.
Four high performance computers, known internally as “superbrains”, allow faster data processing and updates, enabling continuous performance optimisation over the vehicle lifecycle.
BMW said this approach will help keep its EVs at the forefront of driving dynamics and digital capability.
Gen6 electric technology
At the heart of the BMW M Neue Klasse is BMW M eDrive, based on the Gen6 electric technology.
Each wheel is driven by its own electric motor, with BMW M Dynamic Performance Control managing torque distribution at each wheel.
The system combines rear wheel drive characteristics with the benefits of all wheel drive, while allowing the front axle to be fully decoupled for efficiency and range on longer journeys.
BMW said the four motor layout enables precise control of traction, stability and energy recuperation, delivering what it describes as a new benchmark for electric driving dynamics in production vehicles.
The high voltage battery has been adapted specifically for high performance use, offering more than 100 kWh of usable energy and benefiting from 800 volt architecture for increased charging capacity.
Beyond powertrain innovation, BMW M will introduce natural fibre elements for the first time in its fully electric high performance models.
Developed from motorsport applications, the material offers similar properties to carbon fibre but BMW said it can be produced with around 40% lower CO2e, supporting the company’s sustainability objectives without compromising performance.
While these new electric M models won’t start filtering through until 2027, BMW’s first Neue Klasse model for the UK will be the BMW iX3, due to arrive in March 2026 priced from £58,755.
It will offer a claimed electric range of up to 500 miles and rapid charging of up to 400 kW.
The iX3 will be followed by the new i3, the next generation successor to the 3 Series, using the same electric systems.
BMW said model diversity across BMW and MINI remains central to its strategy, alongside customer experience initiatives such as retailer led handovers and Proactive Care, which uses vehicle diagnostics to identify potential maintenance issues and alert both drivers and retailers.