Munich. The BMW Group test vehicle “Power BEV” presented meanwhile #NEXTGen explores what is technically possible. The vehicle is equipped with three fifth-generation electric drives and has a maximum system output of over 530 kW/720 hp. This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in comfortably under three seconds.
The goal of the development team here was to build a concept car that not only impresses with longitudinal movement, but also in terms of lateral dynamics. Indeed, as drivers expect from BMW, it has been designed not only to be fast in a straight line, but also to put a smile on the driver’s face in carefully taken turns.
To this end, chassis and powertrain engineers worked particularly closely together to maximize the car’s performance. The key to its dynamic properties is that the two electric motors on the rear axle are controlled separately. This brings e-torque vectoring into play, allowing maximum drive power to be transferred to the front drive, even in extremely dynamic driving maneuvers.
The result is more effective and precise than with a limited-slip differential, because active targeted input is possible in any driving situation. In contrast, a limited slip differential always responds to a difference in rotational speed between the drive wheels.
The drive system consists of three fifth-generation drive units, each of which combines an electric motor and associated electronics and power take-off in a single housing. One is mounted on the front axle and two (dual drive) on the rear axle. Another notable aspect of this generation along with its distinctive power is that it is completely devoid of rare earths. An electric motor of this type will debut in serial production in the BMW iX3. However, the iX3 will only have one motor rather than three.
A current BMW 5 Series production model serves as the donor vehicle for the Power BEV. Integrating this kind of drive system into a production car is a serious technical undertaking, but it has been achieved here with absolutely no restrictions on passenger space. This makes it much easier to evaluate this driving concept along with options.
It has also allowed engineers to further explore the possibilities opened up by two individually controllable electric motors on the rear axle with electric torque.
And that means that in future serial production car projects it is possible to choose the right technology for the model at hand. Customers will therefore receive the technology that best suits their choice of vehicle concept.