On the road in reborn BMW M1

This incredible, innovative BMW sports car will be the spiritual successor to the M1 that the motoring world has been crying out for! But it’s much more than just a fast two-seater. The Vision EfficientDynamics brings new meaning to the word supercar – as it delivers amazing dynamics thanks to that simply sensational diesel-electric powertrain. It looks destined to upset the class’s establishment with a thrilling mix of speed, agility and efficiency.

This shocking BMW supercar has Audi’s R8 in its sights! It’s the latest version of the Vision EfficientDynamics concept – and it previews a top-of-the-range hybrid sports car that’s due in dealers in a few years’ time.

Auto Express headed to Germany to put the diesel-electric stunner through its paces. It’s the crown jewel of BMW’s new future mobility think-tank department, project i, and has changed only slightly from the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show car, gaining a longer tail to minimise aerodynamic drag. If it now looks more like a Le Mans 24 Hours racer, that’s no coincidence – as a competition version is expected alongside the roadgoing model.

We got to ride in the car in all three of its settings: from low speed with only the front wheels being driven solely by electricity; in all-wheel-drive full-electric mode at steady B-road speeds; and then with the two electric motors and 161bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel engaged fully at rocket launch pace. 

The Vision EfficientDynamics goes way beyond mild hybrids such as the X5 and X6. Its front electric motor provides 80bhp, the one at the rear gives 51bhp, and then there’s the 161bhp diesel at the back, all swapping power between the four wheels as needed. That’s 292bhp to go along with 800Nm of torque.

There’s also 30 seconds of electric overboost time available if and when you need it, taking total available power to 323bhp. As a result, the 1,450kg sports car completes the 0-60mph sprint in only 4.7 seconds. 

Climbing into the carbon-shelled seats, with their four-point belts, we’re aware of every ounce of this forward thrust. Not only is the aerodynamic exterior made of carbon fibre; the whole chassis is as well. Under hard acceleration, the car feels like a super-quick GT that can hold its own through corners. 

Yet it sets an environmental example. As it is, the BMW emits 99g/km of CO2, has a maximum estimated range of 435 miles and claims 75mpg fuel economy!

What changes will be made for the production version? Not many. A petrol engine is likely to replace the diesel, while there’s the possibility of a single electric motor to reduce weight. Finally, the scissor doors will make way for conventional items. That’s it. 

BMW says it could produce as many as 5,000 examples a year depending on demand – although that will be determined by a price of at least £150,000.