Content Hub ElectrificationAlexander SimsBMW Works DriverRudolf DittrichGeneral Manager Vehicle Development BMW MotorsportAndreas BuchnerHead of Electric High Voltage Powertrain Machines
BMW showcased the ‘Power BEV’ during the NEXTGen which traverses on the technical possibilities and capabilities shown by the brand. The showcased vehicle is fitted with three fifth-generation electric drive units which develop an output of 720 HP which enables the car to sprint from 0-100 kmph in under 3 seconds.
The powerful electric motors not only help the vehicle accelerate in a straight line but while encountering corners the two motors on the rear axle work individually, essentially providing e-torque vectoring. The chassis and drivetrain have been carefully formed together to maximise the car’s performance. Two of the three fifth-generation electric motors sit on the rear axle and provide e-torque vectoring and helps the car in the corner by controlling the two rear wheels separately.
E-torque vectoring is better than limited slip differential and it actively targets inputs whereas in case of a limited slip differential reacts to the difference in rotation speed between the driven wheels. E-torque vectoring helps maneuver the car better during extreme driving and helps straight line speeds.
Currently, the technology is being tested on a BMW 5 Series production model and is expected to make it to the production series BMW iX3 but the iX3 is likely to have only one motor instead of three.
Integrating such complicated technology into production models is a difficult task and has been achieved here with no restrictions in the passenger compartment. In the near future, series production vehicles can be fitted with the choice of technology the customers want for their cars.