A BMW M Hybrid Won't Happen Yet Because The Tech Is Too Damn Heavy

The whole electrification of performance cars thing seems pretty much inevitable. The Porsche 918 Sypder, McLaren P1 and LaFerrari have been leading the charge, but we have seen fast hybrids cropping up further down the food chain. BMW’s own i8 offers Porsche 911 performance with a tiny three-cylinder engine plus electric motors, so how far off is a full-on M Division hybrid? At the moment it’s not possible, according to BMW M CEO Frank van Meel.

Talking to us before the start of the Nurburgring 24 Hours, van Meel explained: “For us it’s difficult as M because power-to-weight ratios are criteria number one, and still the hybrid technology is too heavy to make it a good overall concept,” adding: “That’s why we ended up with a water injected engine for the M4 GTS because we were looking at all kinds of different technology and the water injection added just 10kg to the car to get 70hp [increase].”

So if it’s not doable at the moment due to weight, will it ever happen? The answer is yes, but be prepared for a long wait, says Van Meel: “We’re always looking into what project ‘i’ is doing regarding electrification and if there is any progress in the mid or near future regarding weight and power output. It’s going to happen, but it’s going to take a while.”