BMW M to go electric within weeks, Rolls-Royce to follow

Electric BMW M cars will soon be joined by electric BMW motorbikes and electric Rolls-Royces.

BMW’s electric vehicle strategy will step into top gear within weeks, with confirmation of imminent details about the first M model to boost performance with electric motors.

Speaking in a media roundtable EV Central took part in with BMW, electromobility experts confirmed the BMW M sub-brand will soon reveal details of its first partially electric vehicles.

“Expect something in the next few weeks or next few months,” said BMW electromobility expert Wieland Bruch. “[BMW M chief Markus Flasch] has plans for electrification and it will be an exciting story to follow.”

BMW has previously promised all its M cars will be electrified by 2030, with Flasch confirming the performance sub-brand was working on 48V mild hybrid systems (for small but significant fuel savings), plug-in hybrids and full battery electric vehicles.

While BMW’s electrification strategy involves reducing CO2 emissions to meet stringent regulations, particularly in Europe, the M division will naturally focus more on extreme performance for its EVs.

BMW will soon reveal its upcoming M3 and M4 models. Each is likely to follow a familiar formula of utilising an inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine – albeit driving all four wheels for the first time.

But BMW M is also expected to tackle Tesla head on with a pure electric performance car. Set to be based on the upcoming all-electric i4, the M version would logically step performance up and focus on dynamics for a sharper drive.

The Concept i4 (pictured) is a one-off show car giving an idea of what the production model would look like, toothy grin and all. It was claimed to have 395kW and the capability to hit 100km/h in about 4.0 seconds. Driving range is claimed at 600km.

Improving on that would make an M version of the i4 – to presumably be called Mi4 or i4 M – one of the fastest BMWs ever produced.

BMW has also given a taste of the Hollywood-inspired sound of its upcoming electric models.

But BMW M is only a tiny part of the BMW electrification strategy.

BMW recently doubled down on its commitment to electric vehicles, revealing more BEVs to be based on the upcoming 5-Series sedan and X1 compact SUV.

Petrol, diesel not dead

Despite the electric push, fossil fuels will continue to play a big role for BMW.

BMW also says it will be investing heavily in internal combustion engines, believing they have a big future as the world transitions to electric.

As part of what it calls the “power of choice” BMW plans to offer petrol- and diesel-powered cars with 48V mild hybrid systems as well as plug-in hybrid models and pure electric vehicles.

“There is not the one technical solution,” said Bruch. “The BMW Group will continue to develop and to produce gasoline and diesel engines.

“We think the internal combustion engine still has a bright future and also much potential for further evolution in terms of efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions.”

But those ICEs will also pick up some form of electrification.

By 2021 BMW says two-thirds of its models will have a 48V mild hybrid system across its four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines.

And nothing within the BMW is immune to the electric explosion.

Mobility expert Wieland Bruch confirmed Rolls-Royce would soon benefit from the electrification strategy – as would two-wheeled BMWs.

“There are plans to electrify all of the BMW Group collective brands, be it BMW Motorcycles, Mini and Rolls-Royce and also BMW M.”