One of the saddest stories in BMW's recent history is the ill-fated M Vision Next. This mid-engine supercar wowed enthusiasts in 2019. Earlier this year, we learned that a production version was planned with the internal codename “I16.” However, this road-legal vehicle was finally phased out in 2020.
The concept is back in the spotlight, albeit briefly. Domagoj Duquec, head of design at BMW, unearthed a high-performance vehicle for the players of the FC Bayern Munich basketball team to check out. It was then an eventful day as the players took delivery of his iX electric SUV fleet. The deal is part of the mobility partnership signed last year between BMW München and FC Bayern München Basketball GmbH.
The impressive M Vision Next / I16 was supposed to be the spiritual successor to the M1. Instead, BMW gave us the XM, a large and heavy SUV that was controversially an M-only model. This sophisticated supercar was powered by his smaller four-cylinder petrol engine, but with an electrical twist. It was envisioned to produce close to 600 horsepower with a plug-in hybrid setup.
An internal combustion engine drove the rear wheels, and an electric motor powered the front axle. With this setup, the M Vision Next is now available with a choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Despite the low-displacement ICE, it was still plenty fast and fast. The sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h) took just three seconds to reach a top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h).
The low-slung, wedge-shaped sports car had a battery pack with enough capacity for an electric range of 62 miles (100 kilometers). BMW gave it staggered wheels, 22 inches in the rear and 21 inches in the front. As a homage to the M1, the shape of the two roundels and rear window are taken from his iconic E26.
Hopefully, there's still time for BMW's flagship performance car with an internal combustion engine to arrive before EVs become fully ubiquitous. Ideally something with 4 cylinders or more, but a small ICE is also acceptable.
Source: Domagoj Duquec/Instagram