A surprise electric BMW with 4 motors in testing

BMW is working on an electric model with supercar-worthy performance and the advantages of a four-door sedan.

BMW already offers a i4 M50 that is quite powerful with its 537 hp and 795 Nm of torque, ready to compete with many supercars. But let engineers play with electric motors, and you might see devilishly fast models hit the roads. The brand with the propeller mentioned back in 2022 an ultra-sporty quad-motor version. Since then, there has been radio silence, likely due to the busy schedule with the launch of multiple electric versions. But now that BMW’s electric range is well established, we can return to a bit more fun.

The prototype caught during ice testing by the inevitable CarSpyMedia features the decoration seen in 2022 for the announcement of this quad-motor transmission development. It is immediately identifiable as a derivative of the i4, but it adopts all the markers of a high-powered version. The design of the grille and front bumper is inspired by the BMW M3 and M4, emphasizing the need for additional cooling rather than aerodynamic efficiency. The grille inserts resemble those of the M4 CSL, as does the splitter with side flaps. The wheel arches and track are increased to accommodate large-diameter tires.

The images show snow being kicked up behind the 4 wheels, leaving no doubt that the prototype features all-wheel drive. However, nothing guarantees that this is the much-anticipated quad-motor version, but here’s why we are convinced.

4 motors, 1,300 horsepower

Once mastered, the advantages of such a transmission are immense. Torque can be optimized on the wheels that need it most in mere milliseconds. It is important to note that Swiss-watch precision is required in the electronic programming of the transmission as it relies almost entirely on electronics. This aspect allows the car to be significantly lighter by eliminating many components such as the main shaft, couplers, and differentials. Other parts see their size reduced, like the half-shafts. This is a blessing when it’s necessary to fit several hundred kilograms of battery. BMW has a 105.6 kWh battery in its plans, used in the i7 and iX, which would help satisfy the electric appetite of the motors whose combined power is claimed to exceed 1,300 horsepower.