BMW to switch it’s M-Cars to electric

BMW knows their current air polluting M-Series cars cannot beat an electric car. If you can't beat them, join them.

The age of electricity is upon the automotive world. More and more automakers are turning towards battery-powered drivetrains, and according to BMW's M boss Frank Van Meel, his brand's performance division is no different.

Speaking with Auto Express at the Detroit Auto Show about electric M cars, Van Meel said, "it will happen, but the question is when is that going to happen. Currently we still have a power to weight issue with electrification which makes that difficult to fit into a motorsports philosophy," he said.

In order to ease M buyers into this transition, Van Meel says the M division will first introduce hybrid systems aimed at improving performance before going to full electric.

But Van Meel states there will inevitably be an all-electric M car in the long run.

"We already see the stop/start feature coming to M vehicles and the next step is electrification. At the end it will also be pure electric, but it's going to take some time," he said.

"Of course we are in close contact with the Project i group looking into next generation of cell technologies, electric motors, weight and cooling systems to figure when is the right time to make the next step."

Van Meel also confirmed to Auto Express there will not be an M version of the brand's flagship i8 hybrid sportscar. When asked about the possibility, he said, "that wouldn't make sense. It's two different directions … M is about uncompromized motorsport, whereas Project i looks into the future and is uncompromised efficiency."

via BMW Blog