By Muhammed Hashim 
EV innovation merges with wedge-shaped futurism in BMW’s radical new electric sports coupe
August 25, 2024 at 11:48
- BMW‘s Neue Klasse series is set to expand with a radical flagship electric coupe.
- The prototype features a shark-nose front, sleek profile, and dramatic rear end.
- The coupe employs innovative electric hub propulsion with dual rotor motors.
BMW’s Neue Klasse series is about to expand with a radical new coupe that blends sports car elements and a high-riding crossover stance. This unnamed offering will become the Bavarian automaker’s flagship EV and could be seen as a spiritual successor to the now-defunct i8 roadster and coupe.
More: Everything We Know About The 2026 BMW i3 Electric Sedan
Recently spied testing by our sleuths behind the lens, we’ve deciphered the camouflage to reveal its stunning appearance and bring you all the details we know to date. Let’s dive into it all.
Giugiaro-inspired Styling
Call it what you want, but by gosh, it’s a stunning wedge-shaped thing, as at first glance, there’s more than a hint of the Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed BMW M1.
Shark-nosed and ready to pounce, the front end is menacingly wide and low. BMW’s twin kidney grille has been reimagined with an illuminated outline, integrated into the headlight and grille panels. The low hood exaggerates the car’s pumped fenders, while the wraparound windscreen weirdly echoes the one seen on the fourth-generation Chevrolet Camaro from the 1990s.
The side profile is sleek and futuristic, with short overhangs and dramatically sculpted lower doors, creating a strong three-dimensional effect. Some could argue it resembles Subaru’s largely forgotten SVX coupe, particularly with its smoked window frames and glasshouse merging with the rear hatch.
The rear is equally striking, featuring a two-tone, tucked-under bumper, a prominent diffuser, and a tall trunk lid. An ultra-thin horizontal taillight cluster emphasizes the car’s width and integrates seamlessly with the hatch’s load lip.
A Sporting Outlook
While we’ve yet to snap a detailed look at the interior, expect it to follow the bold yet minimalist themes set by BMW’s recent Neue Klasse line of concepts. Cue a low-slung, two-seat cockpit with angular edges, recycled materials, cutting-edge technology with AI integration, and semi-autonomous driving capabilities.
Electric Hub Propulsion
As evidenced by the absence of brake calipers in prototype testing, the coupe may utilize revolutionary new electric motors developed in partnership with BMW and a startup called DeepDive.
The advantage? This motor features dual rotor technology, effectively integrating two electric motors into one unit. Its compact design and light weight allow for an in-wheel drive system, where each wheel hub houses its own electric motor. It’s also flexible in its ability to be applied in traditional, centralized drive systems.
See: We Visualize The 2026 BMW iX3 Electric SUV
Expect it to utilize an 800-volt electrical architecture, and the batteries will employ a unique chemistry distinct from other Neue Klasse models. To enhance driver engagement, BMW is keen to take a leaf out of the Hyundai Ioniq 5N’s book by including simulated gear shifts and rev-limiter sounds, making the driving experience more immersive.
Rivals and Reveal
The all-electric coupe segment is currently small, with very few direct competitors. However, the BMW coupe will compete against models like the MG Cyberster Coupe, Maserati GranTurismo Folgore, and Polestar 6. While details about its debut are still under wraps, we expect more information in the coming months.
What do you think of BMW’s upcoming new electric coupe? Share your views in the comments below.
