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BMW M Confirms Hybrid Models are in the Works but only for Larger M Cars

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MIDRAND, SOUTH AFRICA - BMW M boss Markus Flasch has confirmed to media at the BMW M Festival that BMW M will begin introducing plug-in hybrid M models in the future generations while reassuring fans that such adaptation of hybrid gasoline-electric powertrains will be limited to larger M models only.

Previously, we reported that future M-Cars were to use tech from BMW i.

Flasch recently spoke of the readiness of the technology, that hybrid power was 'on standby' and ready to use while also saying there are no firm plans for the implementation of such electrification, according to caradvice.com.au

“I can assure you we’re working on electrification,” says Flasch.

“I’ve driven petrol-electric vehicles from the M team. I’ve driven plug-in hybrids from the M team. It’s there. But I cannot disclose data. I cannot disclose a (production) start date. But we’re working on it. It’s on the shelf.”

In what seems like an effort to curtail discontent and concern from fans, Flasch also reassures detractors of the trend that “the models that will see electrification won’t be the pure, the core, the most distilled projects such as the M2, 3 and 4. If we do something that will bring weight it’s very likely to be to a heavier, larger car. The X5 M today is a heavy and large car.”

The BMW M boss also emphasized that simply being the forerunner of electrification adoption isn't the goal.

“It’s not about being the first with any particular technology. We have to be the best [but] we believe in the power of choice. I have very direct dialogue with customers… who are worried that we might dilute the power of those products today in order to be the first in new technology," he said.

“I’m not producing cars for demonstrators, for people who don’t buy them. I’m producing cars for our customers and [they have] a very, very clear opinion of what they want to see.

"They will only buy the successor model if it’s better than the predecessor model, so if a new technology doesn’t qualify itself as better than its predecessor then it’s not going to happen."

For skeptical fans, this may or may not ease the anxieties and fears over how and if electrification would change the character of BMW M vehicles.

But it does seem like Flasch is at least acknowledging that the BMW M fan-base expects a lot more than just simply incorporating hybrid technology with existing powertrains.

The combination of electric and gasoline power must be done in BMW M fashion.

“Our customers aren’t bragging about having the latest and the greatest but they know if they have an M badge on their car it’s the best car when it comes to performance. We need to keep up this promise.”


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Future electrification of BMW M cars has already been the subject of much discussion and speculation in recent years.
It seems that reality is now getting closer to realization as both industry trends and more stringent regulations become more geared towards favoring electrification.

In 2016, BMW executive Ian Robertson said that BMW was open towards electrified, hybrid M-cars.
In 2017, BMW M's then CEO Frank Van Meel spoke of pure electric M-cars as inevitable in the future, with hybrid powertrains being available during the transitional period.
Earlier this year in 2019, Flasch confirmed that future BMW M vehicles would use BMW i technology.

[Miko M]

That's great news, cross the fingers they don't change their mind

[infamousq]

Awesome

[GOLFFRR]

thats pretty cool

[Andrae26]

I'm not producing cars for demonstrators, for people who don't buy them. I'm producing cars for our customers and [they have] a very, very clear opinion of what they want to see.

Clearly he hasn't been on the forums lol

[Brake_Late]

Cool
( Glad I already rock an i3s and a
G30 5e MSport for practice ! )

[JustChris]

Excellent, thanks OP.

[stein_325i]

I could see the next M5 having an inline-6 with some sort of electrification added. I think it could be a good idea, the first M5 did have an inline-6 after all, and this could lighten up the front end of the vehicle, and keep the weight similar or lower (as long as they don't put very heavy batteries all over), maybe they'll do something similar to Merc's current 53 series models.

[MarkDemma]

So this might be contrary to most folks opinions ... but my feeling is that if I'm going to be leaving my manual shifter behind, may as well go full electric. There, I said it.

The fact that a regular electric sedan is already pretty much on par with a current M3 and looking at the numbers they are showing with the new Tesla Roadster, it won't be long until electric sports cars will have left ICEs in the dust.

I kinda already figured that my M240i (yes, not a "real" M) will be my last ICE car. Living 20 feet from the water and knowing that where I live will be under water in perhaps 20 years time kinda hits home that things are going to have to change.

[bimmer456]

Hybrid M8 to compete with 918

[F87EVO]

This is for the next generation which are taking place 2021-2023. Doesnt means the design language will change (those grills) . But the next gen for sure all hybrid. The new C63amg will have the a45 engine but hybrid .

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

Hybrid M8 to compete with 918

Doubtful

[am3r1ka]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

Hybrid M8 to compete with 918

M8 would still be way too heavy

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

Hybrid M8 to compete with 918

That's funny

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by Andrae26

Clearly he hasn't been on the forums lol

true story.

[PARTS@STBMW]

This is interesting.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

I could see the next M5 having an inline-6 with some sort of electrification added. I think it could be a good idea, the first M5 did have an inline-6 after all, and this could lighten up the front end of the vehicle, and keep the weight similar or lower (as long as they don't put very heavy batteries all over), maybe they'll do something similar to Merc's current 53 series models.

I strongly suspect the next M5 will use the S68 V8 that ynguldyn reported on recently. He expects it will have some sort of electrification (but does not clarify whether that belief is based on actual inside information).

Keep in mind, Mercedes has already stated publicly that they are hybridizing their M177 V8 to the tune of 800hp. Although it is not clear yet what vehicles that setup will find its way into, it seems a good bet that the next E63 would be among the beneficiaries (even if it does not get the full 800hp potential).

At some point in the long transition to pure electric performance cars from traditional automakers, hybrid six cylinder powertrains are likely to take over where V8s are being used today in some top-tier products. But as far as the Germans are concerned, I think we are still at least one more generation away from that happening.

[Eddien123]

Originally Posted by MarkDemma

So this might be contrary to most folks opinions ... but my feeling is that if I'm going to be leaving my manual shifter behind, may as well go full electric. There, I said it.

The fact that a regular electric sedan is already pretty much on par with a current M3 and looking at the numbers they are showing with the new Tesla Roadster, it won't be long until electric sports cars will have left ICEs in the dust.

I kinda already figured that my M240i (yes, not a "real" M) will be my last ICE car. Living 20 feet from the water and knowing that where I live will be under water in perhaps 20 years time kinda hits home that things are going to have to change.

Yeah I think I agree. A soulless turbo v8 with an auto gearbox is hardly exciting to me anymore. Rather have a slower e90m3 with a 6 speed than a 600hp auto M5. Electric all the way

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Keep in mind, Mercedes has already stated publicly that they are hybridizing their M177 V8 to the tune of 800hp. Although it is not clear yet what vehicles that setup will find its way into, it seems a good bet that the next E63 would be among the beneficiaries (even if it does not get the full 800hp potential).

I think the electrified V8 is going to premiere in the rumored AMG GT 73

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

I think the electrified V8 is going to premiere in the rumored AMG GT 73

The GT 4, yep, according to Moers comments, at least as I understand them. The concept using the hybrid V8 was certainly the GT 4.

And since the E63 is very closely related to that vehicle, its likely they'd share the next evolution of the engine. Or, at the very least, its pretty unlikely that the GT 4 moves on to the new hybrid V8 while the E63 moves in the opposite direction, down to a hybrid I6.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by MarkDemma

So this might be contrary to most folks opinions ... but my feeling is that if I'm going to be leaving my manual shifter behind, may as well go full electric. There, I said it.

The fact that a regular electric sedan is already pretty much on par with a current M3 and looking at the numbers they are showing with the new Tesla Roadster, it won't be long until electric sports cars will have left ICEs in the dust.

I kinda already figured that my M240i (yes, not a "real" M) will be my last ICE car. Living 20 feet from the water and knowing that where I live will be under water in perhaps 20 years time kinda hits home that things are going to have to change.

Ya, It's not like you see M's road tripping on hours long drives. Sure there's a small group of owners who track their cars but I suspect the vast majority are used as grocerygetters/commuters. That's something EV excels at.

[stefan]

Aren't all M cars larger M cars?

But really--I'd actually like to see some mild hybridization. Bigger turbos with electric torque fill for low RPMs. You may recall the patent they had at one point for this.