BMW first revealed what the new M models will look like

Silver has long been associated with luxury, jewelry, coins, and value preservation. However, in the 21st century, its role has expanded significantly due to its exceptional physical properties, particularly its high electrical and thermal conductivity among metals. This makes silver indispensable in numerous technologies shaping modern life, ranging from electronics to solar panels and other solutions for the green transition. While discussions about future resources often focus on rare minerals, silver is increasingly playing a crucial role in strategic conversations regarding energy development, mobility, and digitalization. It can be found in smartphones, computers, electric vehicles, medical equipment, sensors, switches, and photovoltaic systems. Due to its conductivity, reflectivity, and resistance, silver is difficult to replace in many industrial processes.

Industrial demand for silver has recorded five consecutive years of record growth, driven primarily by the needs of the green economy, investments in electric grids, vehicle electrification, photovoltaics, and its use in electronics linked to the development of artificial intelligence. The International Energy Agency highlights that clean energy technologies—from solar panels and wind turbines to electric vehicles and battery systems—require a wide range of minerals and metals. One of the clearest examples of silver's importance is in solar energy. Approximately 20% of global silver production is used in photovoltaics. Solar cells require materials with exceptional conductive properties, and silver plays a significant role in enabling efficient electricity transfer in solar cells. As the use of solar power plants increases worldwide, the significance of metals that enable their production and operation also grows.

Similarly, the electrification of transportation requires advanced materials. Modern vehicles contain more electronics, sensors, safety systems, and electrical connections. Electric vehicles are even more dependent on advanced materials as they need reliable conductive components, battery systems, charging infrastructure, and numerous electronic solutions. Silver, due to its properties, is present in many such applications. In the digital society, where data centers, smart devices, artificial intelligence, and automation are exponentially increasing, there is a growing need for reliable electronic components. Therefore, silver is one of those metals that we often don't see but are present in the background of many technologies we use daily.

Peter Slapšak, director of Elementum Slovenia, emphasizes that silver has a unique dual nature. On one hand, it is an industrial metal closely tied to technological development, the green transition, and the digital society. On the other hand, it remains a precious metal that individuals have connected with preserving value and long-term wealth protection for centuries. This combination of industrial utility and investment significance positions silver among the metals worth monitoring from a personal finance perspective. At Elementum, they emphasize that the perception of silver’s value should not be based on short-term price fluctuations but rather on understanding its broader role in future economies. Just like with other forms of wealth, a thoughtful, long-term, and diversified approach is important when it comes to precious metals.

Elementum Slovenia, established over 20 years ago, specializes in investments in precious metals. Through its affiliated companies within the European Economic Interest Group Elementum Europa EWIV, it operates in Germany, Switzerland, Croatia, and Portugal, serving over 50,000 customers and generating over 900 million euros in investments in precious metals. The company offers financial security and wealth growth through its strategy “More Securely,” individual counseling, and educational programs.

Meanwhile, in the automotive industry, BMW unveiled the M Concept Neue Klasse at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, signaling the future direction of its M division. This concept not only outlines the design direction for the upcoming M3 but also introduces the first fully electric M car, where racing experiences will influence design, technology, and driving characteristics more than ever before. The M Concept Neue Klasse is based on the new generation of BMW’s Gen6 platform, which will serve as the foundation for future electric models of the brand. BMW emphasizes that future M models will be distinctly separated from regular versions, introducing several design elements not seen in current BMW models.

Among the most notable features are the sharply defined engine cover shaped like the letter V, a large opening for cooling the electric drivetrain, a new interpretation of the iconic "shark nose" front end, and significantly extended fenders. An interesting addition are yellow headlights, reminiscent of those used in endurance racing cars. BMW consciously draws inspiration from its history, with certain elements recalling legendary models such as the BMW 3.0 CSL and BMW 635 CSi. Particular attention was paid to aerodynamics, using specially designed exterior mirrors, aerodynamic enhancements inspired by racing, and natural composite materials. All these features aim to contribute to greater efficiency and performance in future models.

The yellow headlights originate from BMW’s endurance racing cars in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Technically, the concept uses an 800-volt electric architecture and a battery pack with a capacity of more than 100 kilowatt-hours. This is based on a new generation of cylindrical battery cells, which are expected to improve energy density, efficiency, and charging speed. This is the same technological base that will be used in the electric models i3 and iX3.

The concept represents more than just a concept—it provides insight into the future electric M3. BMW states that the vehicle builds a bridge between its history and motorsports. It is immediately recognizable as a high-performance car. BMW M remains loyal to its guiding principle: "Born on the racetrack. Built for the streets." The concept is based on the i3 model, known for its distinctive shark-nose design—a tribute to older "new class" models. Simultaneously, BMW incorporates specific M characteristics into the new design, including aerodynamically optimized exterior mirrors, a central air outlet in the engine cover shaped like the letter V, and yellow headlights that will become a recognizable feature of future M models.

Inside, the Bavarians opted for a minimalist approach. The cockpit focuses on the driver and is designed to highlight the brand's promise of "pure enjoyment in driving." Notable details specific to M models include red accents and individually designed screens. Four shell-shaped seats and Merino and nubuck leather upholstery emphasize the sports ambition of the sub-brand, even in the electric segment. According to Franciscus van Meel, chairman of the board of directors of BMW M GmbH, the tradition of transferring technological innovations and special design features directly from motorsports to series production continues, even in the new, fully electric era.

The M eDrive system is based on the Gen6 technology and was specifically developed for fully electric BMW M cars. The propulsion system combines four electric motors with a centralized control software called BMW M Dynamic Performance Control in a high-performance computer named Heart of Joy. Thanks to integrated, wheel-specific control of the propulsion system and braking systems, BMW M eDrive opens new possibilities for driving dynamics and safety. It enables high recovery efficiency, optimal grip, and especially direct response.

An 800-volt technology and a high-voltage battery with an energy capacity of more than 100 kWh create conditions for a long range. A specifically optimized version of sixth-generation cylindrical cells for BMW M ensures particularly high output when supplying energy to the electric motors and during charging. The housing of the high-voltage battery is structurally integrated with the front and rear axles, further contributing to driving dynamics.

According to market experts, the first production version won’t wait long: BMW already plans to launch the electric M3 based on the new class in 2027.