BMW’s futuristic New class EV family is starting to take shape — literally, in this case. This is our first look at what will be the coupe version of BMW’s new battery-electric lineup, and if our spies (and our eyes) are to be believed, this prototype is an independent, hub mounted motorsHub motors have long been seen as a natural evolution from the standard motor-and-axle setup of current electric vehicles. Some development time was required to overcome some inherent drawbacks, including the amount of unsprung mass they add at each suspension angle.
What are we actually talking about here? Take a good look at the wheel on the prototype below. Do you see anything strange? If you said “there is no brake brake caliper,” then you’re right. That’s because we’re probably not looking at brake rotors here, but at the outside of the hub-mounted motor, which likely holds the hydraulic brake system in the assembly itself. We mentioned the weight issue above, but as you might have guessed, this configuration brings with it the added challenge of managing waste heat from the brake system. But remember, this is BMW — the company that made “turbine” wheels a thing.
What we know about this platform is currently heavily overshadowed by what we don’t know, but BMW did hint at some specs when the concept sedan was shown off in the second half of 2023. Compared to the package in the current i4BMW says its newly developed battery cells offer 20 percent more energy density and 30 percent faster theoretical charging speeds. And not only can the batteries store more energy for the same charge, BMW says the vehicle’s overall driving efficiency will increase by up to 25 percent — and as much as 40 percent in winter thanks to a new heat pump. BMW believes that equates to a 30 percent increase in range over the company’s current generation of EVs.
Considering that this prototype sports a body shape that resembles a production version under all that camouflage, BMW can’t be far away from sharing details about its next-gen powertrains. We have to admit, we’re curious.
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