Speaking in an interview, BMW M CEO Markus Flasch said the performance subdivision of BMW planned to switch all of its larger cars to hybrid powertrains.
He admitted that electrifying the relatively compact M2, M3 and M4 does not appear necessary at the moment, but the larger SUVs – the X5 M, X6 M, and the upcoming X7 M, all of which weigh in close to two and a half metric tons (5,500 lbs) – will decidedly benefit from this decision.
He emphasized that BMW continues prioritizing ‘Fahrspaß’ (driving enjoyment) over other concerns and motives other companies may have in mind when they decide to go electric. Apparently, the Bavarian carmaker is still afraid of criticism that the more conservatively minded fans might unleash at what they believe to be the ‘blurring of identity’ of the marque.
Flasch said he had personally tested a hybrid M vehicle and was looking forward to production.
It has to be said that the competition does its best to keep up with the latest trends. For instance, the next Mercedes-Benz С63 AMG is going to trade its V8 for a hybrid drivetrain composed of the turbo four-cylinder engine of the A45 and a single powerful electric motor.