BMW's M Performance Division Hard At Work On Hybrid Models

BMW’s M performance division is already testing prototype cars powered by hybrid powertrains, the firm’s vice president Dirk Hacker has confirmed.

Although he declined to elaborate on the details of the powertrain BMW is working on, or which cars it could potentially be used in, he confirmed development work was under way and future M hybrid cars are “inevitable”.

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MDarringer - 11/22/2017 10:38:18 AM

-3 Boost

BMW is flailing. Hybrids are not a new thing. Performance hybrids are not a new thing. Now if BMW were converting the next 3 Series into a hybrid only model--which would make sense to do for all mainstream vehicles--then they would be sort of ahead of the game. BMW clearly has lost its edge.

jameswisrik - 11/23/2017 9:56:16 AM

0 Boost

BMW can't even build reliable cars now ...and electronics is 40% of their reliability issues. LMAO and now they want to build performance hybrids. ITS IN GERMAN DNA AND HERITAGE TO BUILD POS! and making hybrids m3...LMAO, MAJOR LMAO! only for the insecure bald, chomos buy BMW. SUckers!

scenicbyway12 - 11/22/2017 12:42:52 PM

+3 Boost

They are looking at 0-60 times, electric motor = instant torque.

BTW MDarringer, if the next generation 3er is like the new X3, BMW will dump the hybrid for a 255+ all electric motor.

MDarringer - 11/22/2017 1:13:33 PM

-3 Boost

Hybrids for the masses makes more sense than EVs for trendy people.

SanJoseDriver - 11/22/2017 5:07:42 PM

+1 Boost

I think the hybrid is a waste of effort, you get the worst of both worlds plus added cost and weight. Might as well go straight to BEV at this point since that is where everything is headed already. An EV-version of the 3 series would sell like crazy.

TheSteve - 11/23/2017 2:08:15 AM

+1 Boost

SanJoseDriver wrote "...An EV-version of the 3 series would sell like crazy..." -- I hold no opinion on that, but I'm curious if you'd be right!

MDarringer - 11/23/2017 8:53:39 AM

+1 Boost

@SanJoseDriver Of course you're against hybrids. If you were caught saying that turning all current non-hybrid vehicles to hybrids would do wonders for CAFE, your checks from Tesla would dry up.

The FACT is that hybrids are attainable by the masses, but EVs still cost double what a comparable ICE vehicle costs.

An EV version of the 3 Series would NOT "sell like crazy". It would be a niche model within the portfolio based on volume.

And if you're against hybrids for added cost and weight, (1) hybrids do not command a huge cost premium and and for (2) cost and weight being deterrents, may I show you any EV?

skytop - 11/26/2017 6:44:59 PM

+1 Boost

I want to see an M car dragging a thick extension cord behind it.