BMW is signaling that an electric sports car could appear in its future lineup, though it won’t arrive anytime soon. Bernd Körber, BMW’s product chief, stated that an EV sports car is ”not unlikely” but avoided committing to a near-term launch. This cautious position comes as the broader market for electric vehicles, especially high-performance models, shows signs of cooling enthusiasm.
BMW’s Neue Klasse platform, which underpins the upcoming i3 model, is already capable of delivering impressive power, theoretically supporting up to 1,341 horsepower through a four-motor setup. The platform’s flexibility even extends to hypothetical hypercar-level performance, as seen in concepts like the BMW Vision Driving Experience. Yet, so far, BMW’s forthcoming electric M3 and M4 models are more traditional sporty sedans rather than true supercars – expected to push over 800 horsepower while maintaining four-door practicality.
Behind the scenes, rumors suggest BMW almost greenlit a wild 1,200-plus-horsepower electric supercar that was actually built but ultimately shelved. The reasons reportedly include the cooling hypercar market and concerns over whether such a high-priced model aligns with BMW’s brand identity. BMW has neither confirmed nor denied these reports, but the existence of such a project points to serious internal debates about the future of their electric performance ambitions.
Meanwhile, competitors like Audi and Porsche have committed to electric coupes, diving headfirst into the segment despite shifting consumer interest. BMW’s strategy appears more cautious, preserving the option to enter the space without rushing to market. Their Neue Klasse architecture is designed to support a wide range of vehicles – from spirited sports cars to ultra-powerful hypercars – but timing and brand fit remain key factors under evaluation.
For BMW fans craving an electric sports car or supercar, patience remains necessary. The groundwork is laid, and the potential is there, but BMW’s electric sports car ambitions might unfold more conservatively compared to rivals. Whether BMW ultimately revisits the shelved hypercar concept or charts a new course, the flexibility of their current EV platform means the door won’t be closed any time soon.