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In the world of automotive innovation, test mules often remain shrouded in secrecy, serving as the unsung heroes of groundbreaking advancements. BMW M’s recent reveal of an electrified BMW M2 prototype offers a rare glimpse into the early development stages of its high-performance electric vehicles. Dubbed the “Beast,” this unconventional test car played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s electric future.
In the second episode of its M Electrified series, BMW recently spotlighted this prototype, peeling back the curtain on the brand’s electrification journey. The video highlights the board of directors’ enthusiasm for the team’s work, reaffirming BMW M’s commitment to pushing boundaries. It’s clear that the Beast, despite its early shortcomings, helped chart a course for a bold and electrifying future.
The Beast’s journey began in 2018 when BMW M tasked a small team with exploring the possibilities of electrifying a performance car. Using an M2 as their platform, they swapped the conventional powertrain for an electric one, focusing on testing battery-electric dynamics. The result? A car with raw, untamed power that was anything but polished. According to Michael Sailer, who leads functional development for BMW M driving dynamics, the Beast was “really hard to control,” embodying a thrilling unpredictability.
Despite its rough edges, the Beast proved invaluable for testing and refining key technologies. The prototype allowed engineers to evaluate how an electric powertrain could handle the high demands of BMW M’s dynamic standards. While far from production-ready, the lessons learned from this experimental vehicle informed the development of future models, including BMW M’s upcoming electric sports sedans.
This early experiment stands as a testament to BMW M’s relentless pursuit of innovation, proving that even the wildest prototypes can spark a revolution in performance engineering. The Beast may never reach the showroom floor, but its legacy will be felt in every BMW M electric vehicle to come.
