BMW is testing a four-motor layout for performance electric cars

BMW is testing a four-motor drivetrain for future M performance electric cars, the automaker announced Wednesday in a press release.

The automaker has already introduced the diet M Performance i4 M50 and iX M60 models, but not the special all-electric M model. A prototype powertrain – the i4 development mule shown – hints at what could power the first of these models.

BMW said it is testing both the transmission and the corresponding chassis control system, which helps distribute the power better, the automaker claims. Smoothly adjusting the electric motors’ torque distribution allows for greater flexibility, BMW said, saying the system measures sensor output as well as steering wheel angle and accelerator pressure to apply the optimal amount of power.

The i4 M50 development mule uses some elements from the petrol BMW M3 and M4 (which share the same platform) to improve cooling and torsional rigidity, and to make room for four engines. Two motors drive each axle, meaning each wheel gets its own individual motor.

Using BMW’s four-motor drivetrain for performance EVs is not an efficient approach; adds extra weight; and this is quite a novelty, as many other manufacturers are at most three engines. Lucid develops a a three-engine version of the Airand Tesla previously showed the three-motor Model S Plaid+, albeit the latter was effectively repealed.

The GMC Hummer EV also uses three motors, enough to propel the nearly 9,000-pound truck from 0 to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds in “Watts to Freedom” (WTF) mode. And three-engine Audi E-Tron S versions are available, but they’re rare and we didn’t get a chance to drive them, let alone go with the twin-engine versions.

2023 BMW iX M60

Rivian offers a four-motor drivetrain in the R1T pickup and R1S SUV, but hints that the layout very expensive to build—although teasing is special Tank Turn and K-Turn modes with him. Tesla also promised a four-motor version Cyber ​​truckwhile Lordstown Endurance it is planned to use four motors in the wheels.

So, if BMW’s four-motor powertrain goes into production for a future M model, barring exclusive supercar makers like Rimac, it could be the first of its kind aimed at canyon roads and racetracks rather than workplaces and off-road tracks. Stay tuned for updates.