BMW i models
Matt Brogan8 Dec 2016
NEWS

BMW M considering carbon, electrification

BMW i3 and i8 M Performance models ‘absolutely’ possible; but carbon-fibre technology will remain limited to small-volume variants

As BMW seeks to expand its M range globally, the prospect of greener electric models has entered its consciousness.

BMW recently teased a performance version of its commuter-sized i3, and has already demonstrated its go-fast hybrid technology through the flagship i8 supercar.

But BMW vice-president of sales and marketing for BMW’s M division, Peter Quintus, says an M-enhanced ‘i’ car is certainly a consideration.

“In the longer-term there must be some kind of electrification of the M range. The question is, when do you do that?” proffered Quintus.

“At the moment, if you look at the weight of batteries against the performance gains of electrification, it’s obvious the best blend of performance and dynamic technologies are still achieved by conventionally-powered models.”

When asked what it would take to deliver an electric vehicle worthy of the M badge, Quintus was unambiguous. Battery weight and the cost of offering a vehicle attractive to M car buyers is indeed a sticking point, though plans are certainly being made behind the scenes.

“Specifically at the moment it’s the weight of electrically-powered vehicles, against our race-track ability, that is the biggest hurdle,” he prefaced.

“We have all the platforms and all of the technology at our disposal – including BEV [Battery Electric Vehicle] cars – and could quite quickly change the M technology [to suit electric cars] if required, because all the elements are there in their base structure. At the moment, however, we don’t think it’s the right time.”

BMW M2 badge

As for M Performance variants, those with an M prefix before the model code, Quintus was extirely more enthusiastic. As to whether we’d see an M i3 or M i8 any time in the near future, he grinned and simply said “Absolutely!”.

Quintus went on to discuss the merits of other technologies used in the construction of the i3 and i8, including the use of carbon-fibre chassis. As was the case with electrification, M models were eyeing lighter chassis technology with interest.

“From time-to-time we analyse which models could benefit from carbon-fibre technology,” he explained. “But at this point in time applying this technology to a series production model will more likely be as part of a mixture of steel, aluminium and carbon-fibre, rather than a full carbon-fibre body.”

It was a sentiment echoed by BMW M head of regional sales and marketing, Lothar Schupet.

“If it makes sense – if it’s efficient, and it preserves our brand values – there’s no reason we wouldn’t do it,” Schupet said. “But the timing has to be right, customer demand has to be there, and the business case has to make sense for the company and our shareholders.

“Many new technologies become more efficient and affordable as they grow, but at this point of time, the costs on a larger scale, don’t quite make sense,” he reinforced.

In closing, Quintus hinted that the new 7 Series’ carbon core was a technology more in keeping with the M division’s principles, and a more sensible business case for its next-generation models.

“It’s not only economy [of production], it’s also the complexity of building a series production car with a carbon-fibre body,” he clarified. “A carbon core, like the 7 Series, is a more realistic approach at this point in time.”

Earlier this week BMW ruled out a dedicated M model to rival the Mercedes-AMG GT such as the M1, and promised a full-size five-seat model dubbed 'i-NEXT' plus electric versions of every model by 2020.

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Written byMatt Brogan
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