BMW has started testing a prototype for what seems to be an electric sports vehicle, although the exact positioning of this car within the automaker’s range is not yet clear.
The prototype takes the form of a large coupe with a sloping profile and is equipped with a noticeably high ride height.
This prototype also utilizes in-wheel motors with integrated braking systems, a technology that BMW is actively developing in collaboration with automotive supplier Continental and electric motor startup DeepDrive.
It is conceivable that this mysterious sports car is serving as a showcase for the new in-wheel technology. The car is still far from being production-ready. At present, there is no visible external charging port, which necessitates the engineers connecting the charging cable to a port located under the front hood.
BMW has previously constructed similar demonstrator models. One example from 2015 featured a design reminiscent of a sports car, quite similar to the one seen in this prototype. That particular demonstrator was developed to showcase hydrogen fuel cell technology.
If production of this model is on the horizon, we could be looking at a forthcoming addition to BMW’s upcoming line of electric vehicles under the Neue Klasse umbrella. Neue Klasse, which translates to “New Class” in German, signifies BMW’s upcoming generation of EVs. These vehicles will be underpinned by a dedicated EV platform, with the first expected to debut in 2025. This initial offering will likely be an electric compact crossover possibly identified as an iX3. Following this, 2026 could see the arrival of an electric compact sedan potentially dubbed an i3.
Eventually, the Neue Klasse lineup is set to include a coupe that would replace the existing 4-Series coupe. However, the prototype featured here seems too avant-garde for a future 4-Series coupe. Instead, it may indicate a potential Neue Klasse sports car intended to replace the role of the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car.
A few years ago, the BMW M performance division had plans for such a model and even went as far as designing one before ultimately abandoning the project. This design also shared a wedge-like profile and slim LED lights for the taillights. It is possible that the project has been resurrected for a flagship model in the Neue Klasse lineup, although no official confirmation has been provided at this stage.
Image Source: Savvas Karmaniolas / Shutterstock
