BMW is moving away from carbon fiber by developing a new, lightweight material that is both greener and more sustainable. The company has confirmed that this material, made from natural fibers, will be used in future production models. After years of development and testing in racing environments, BMW says the material is ready for broader use.
Years of Research Lead to Breakthrough
BMW worked with Swiss clean-tech company Bcomp to develop the new composite. Other carmakers like Porsche, Volvo, and Polestar are also supporting Bcomp’s work. The aim of the project was clear: lower the carbon footprint of car parts without reducing strength or performance.
The material comes from flax plants—the same source used to make linen. But unlike linen fabrics, this new fiber composite is tough enough to compete with carbon fiber. It also has a unique texture that makes it suitable for parts that are visible inside and outside the vehicle.
BMW has already shown images of this material used on a BMW M4 Coupe. Parts include the roof, rear diffuser, and inserts on the hood.
Environmental and Performance Gains
BMW says using this new roof alone can cut carbon emissions by up to 40% compared to a carbon fiber roof. The material also performs well in safety tests and meets regulations for full-vehicle approval. Additionally, it is easier to handle at the end of a car’s life, improving recyclability.
The new material first appeared in racing. BMW M Motorsport used it in 2019 for its Formula E vehicles. Later, the M4 DTM and M4 GT4 race cars also replaced their carbon fiber parts with the natural fiber alternative. The M4 GT4 will soon use these parts in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring race.
BMW M CEO Franciscus van Meel called the material “a vital element of innovative lightweight solutions in motorsport.” He added that BMW is “looking forward to using these materials in future BMW M products.”
What’s Next for Buyers?
BMW may offer these flax-based parts as optional upgrades in its M Performance parts catalog. They likely won’t be standard on all models, at least not yet. How the price compares to carbon fiber parts remains to be seen.
This move marks an important step for BMW as it seeks to combine performance with sustainability—two goals that once seemed difficult to align.
