BMW almost launched a 1,300-horsepower all-electric supercar

BMW’s electric supercar reportedly reached clay model stage, but board scrapped plans amid concerns the market wasn’t ready

A few days ago, we learned that BMW was shelving its mid-engine hybrid sports car, the I16, in favor of the controversial XM SUV. Now, it’s been discovered that the German brand has also been developing an all-electric supercar for a few years, and it’s actually already on the market so close to production.

Apparently, this electric supercar project is enough to spawn a clay model. BMW has formed a team to develop an electric supercar that can deliver up to 1,300 horsepower, according to BMW Blog, citing internal sources. The model was further developed into a prototype, which the unnamed source described as having a “sporty, bold and distinctly futuristic” design.

Read: BMW scraps a 95% finished supercar for XM SUV

While images of this electric BMW haven’t been released yet, it’s likely to be even more eye-catching than the I16. BMW Blog reports that the car was almost approved for production, but the board decided to put the project on hold due to profitability and feasibility concerns. Additionally, the brand doesn’t believe the market is ready for such vehicles, in part because of slowing EV sales growth through much of 2024.

unrealized dream

It’s been 36 years since the iconic BMW M1 hit the production line, and since then, BMW has considered launching its spiritual successor several times. Noted BMW historian Steve Saxty said, “Every day at BMW, someone is designing a new M1.” Ultimately, the company was unable to take the leap of faith needed to launch a new supercar, and it almost certainly The opportunity to launch an internal combustion engine powered supercar was lost.

However, as long as we have breath left, we can expect a hybrid or electric supercar from the brand to be unveiled at some point in the future. Maybe one day BMW will step away from spreadsheets and take the leap of faith that fans have been praying for since the 1980s. Until then, we’ll have to content ourselves with wondering what to expect while rolling our eyes at the XM’s massive grille.

Currently, BMW is launching the all-electric M3 based on the Neue Klasse platform. The new model will feature four electric motors delivering more than 1,000 horsepower, enough to push it into supercar territory.