BMW has filed a patent application with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office for a new drift system that could make sideways driving easier for less-skilled drivers, according to Chinese automotive outlet Gasgoo. The system works by briefly reducing the load on the rear axle, helping the rear wheels lose grip and enter a controlled slide.
This approach differs from the torque-vectoring technology used in BMW's current M performance models, which manages power distribution between the rear wheels to adjust handling. The patent describes a method that acts directly on the suspension, rather than relying on the driver's skill or mechanical tricks.
How it works
Traditional drift techniques—such as pulling the handbrake in a corner, performing a clutch-kick in a manual car, or using a Scandinavian flick to unsettle the chassis—demand precise timing and a good feel for the car. BMW's patented system aims to minimize that requirement by automatically altering the rear axle's load during a corner, making it easier for the rear to break traction and slide.
The patent does not specify whether the system would be offered as a standalone feature or integrated into an existing driving mode. It also does not mention which models might receive the technology, nor a timeline for production.
Gasgoo noted that the patent represents a conceptual shift from mechanical to suspension-based drift assistance, though it remains unclear if the system will ever reach production. Automakers often file patents for ideas that never make it to showrooms, and BMW has not commented on the filing.
If implemented, the system could appeal to enthusiasts who want to experience drifting without years of practice, but it may also raise questions about safety and driver engagement. BMW has not indicated whether the technology would be limited to track use or available on public roads.
