BMW hasn’t officially confirmed a fully electric sports car yet, but it hasn’t ruled it out either. For purists, the idea of a fun, engaging electric car might seem impossible, but BMW could be the brand to prove them wrong. The automaker is planning its first fully electric M model, expected around 2028, which will feature the so-called “Heart of Joy.” This is a combination of advanced hardware and software aimed at maximizing performance, handling, and driving dynamics for electric vehicles.
The modular Neue Klasse platform, which underpins BMW’s upcoming EV lineup, is designed for flexibility. It allows BMW to develop different body styles and performance models while sharing components to reduce costs. According to BMW executives, it would technically be possible to create a dedicated electric sports car on this platform rather than just adapting an existing model. However, the company isn’t committing to such a car just yet, focusing for now on high-volume models like SUVs and sedans to recoup its investment in EV technology.
Historically, BMW’s attempts at dedicated sports cars have faced challenges. The mid-engine M1 had development and production issues, while more recent efforts, like the Vision M Next plug-in hybrid concept, came close to production but were canceled due to high costs and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even with ambitious plans for more than 40 new models by 2027, a production version of the Vision M Next won’t be among them.
Despite these setbacks, BMW has shown that customers will pay top dollar for unique models. The Skytop and Speedtop, for example, were high-end variations of the M8 and reportedly sold for around €500,000 each. If demand is there, BMW could be encouraged to greenlight more specialized projects. The question remains whether buyers would be just as excited about a fully electric sports car as they are about traditional V8 or hybrid models.
With the EV transition accelerating, BMW’s challenge will be balancing its performance heritage with new electric technology. While no concrete plans have been revealed yet, the possibility of a pure electric BMW sports car keeps enthusiasts hopeful for the future.