To that end, the M Concept has been designed to be “instantly recognisable as a high-performance automobile”, said BMW, with a raft of features that point to its dazzling dynamic potential.
Some of the most striking of these include the unusual V-shaped bonnet, which frames the prominent air intake for the high-output EV drivetrain; the ‘shark nose’ grille that’s reminiscent of past performance icons such as the 3.0 CSL and 635 CSi; the aero-optimised, M-specific wing mirror designs; the heavily swollen rear arches; and the various aero elements made from natural fibres.
There’s a ‘trimaran-style’ front bumper design too, which is claimed to have been inspired by high-speed sailing boats – with a three-part design that “underlines the vehicle’s technical performance”. It’s echoed by a similar set-up at the back, in combination with a ducktail rear wing that boosts downforce and aerodynamic efficiency.
BMW also points to the yellow headlights as a feature derived from race cars – such as its own M Hybrid V8 LMDh sports prototype, which competes in the World Endurance Championship. It says these will be “a signature feature” of upcoming M cars and they are flanked on the concept by 3D-effect ‘track lights’ in the bumper.
The motorsport influence is evident inside too, where Heilmer and his team have sought to reinterpret the basic interior from the i3 and closely related iX3 into an environment that is “reduced and consistently geared towards the driving experience”.