Summarize

Meet BMW’s Vision M Next - said to be the iconic M1 reborn as 440kW two-seat plug-in hybrid, the concept previews a carbon fibre bodied petrol-electric supercar set to become the new BMW M flagship early in the 2020s with its drivetrain earmarked to power more conventional future M models too. 

Powered by a newly developed turbo 2-litre petrol four-pot set to become a future M model staple, the rear-mid-mounted engine is backed up by a pair of BMW developed and built electric motors, one on each axle for all-wheel drive, a 100km electric-only range and a 3-second 0-100 dash.

Developing more than double the output of the BMW i8, the newcomer leads a new charge to see more than 25 new electrified BMWs on the road by 2025. The 300km/h Project M Next is likely to be built in a limited production run model prior to the launch of a second-generation i8, suggesting the two cars will share key components as M Next is pitched as a real Audi R8 and Mercedes-AMG GT rival. 

Boasting a radical wedge design, traditional aspects combined with contemporary styling elements include a distinctive new laser-engraved grille, blade-like aero elements, dramatic ducts to cool the mid-mounted petrol engine and electric motor, advanced OLED lighting, dramatic wing doors and bare carbon elements suggesting a lightweight fibre bodyshell. 

A driver-centric cockpit design features a 'boost pod' with a dragster-like steering wheel, a curved integrated display and augmented reality head-up system and a fingerprint sensor starter button, all part of a new user experience system.