BMW Ventures Into Watersports with High-Tech Electric Stand-Up Paddleboard

German auto maker BMW is venturing into the world of watersports with its first-ever electric stand-up paddleboard, and arguably the most advanced SUP ever designed.

The board was developed in collaboration with Slovenian SUP brand SipaBoards.

The SUP, called the BMW x SipaBoards e-SUP, uses self-inflation technology, electric propulsion, and a digital interface, making it by far the most advanced paddleboard ever designed.

The 12-foot (3.65 m) long board is 31" (0.82 m) wide and 6" (0.15 m) thick when fully inflated. The inflatable SUP weighs 24 lbs (10.9 kg) in its standard form and 32.75 lbs (14.9 kg) when the electric motor is installed. Construction-wise, the board uses a unique X-woven drop-stitch core for rigidity and stability, making it similarly stiff to hardshell paddleboards. The sidewalls are double reinforced and the board surface is covered by a BMW Alcantara-inspired EVA foam with a "multi-spherical pattern" for better grip. The visual design was handled by BMW Group Designworks who operate as the automaker's boutique design team for unique projects.

This isn't BMW's first foray into aquatics, although it is their first dabble with paddleboards. In recent years, the renowned automaker dipped a toe using their engine prowess by partnering with OXE Marine in 2020 on a 300 hp diesel outboard engine. In 2024, they took a quantum leap by partnering with Tyde Boats on a hydrofoiling concept yacht.

On a smaller, albeit equally impressive scale, the BMW Sipa SUP stands apart from typical paddleboards thanks to a 300 watt motor, engineered specifically for the project and paired with a silent water-jet drive system enabling speeds of up to 7.5 km/h (about 4 knots). The average paddleboarder typically cruises around at about 3-4 km/h (1.6 to 2.1 knots), allowing users to travel nearly twice as fast. In another helpful twist, the motor also handles the board’s automatic inflation system, allowing the board to be ready to ride in minutes without a separate hand pump. Battery power comes via modular modules -- a pair of 90 Wh batteries enabling around 1 to 3.5 hours of usage). An optional pair of 180 Wh modules will be available in spring 2026, extending ride times up to seven hours.

Not enough to simply develop the board, BMW and Sipa have also created the most advanced paddle to sync with it. A custom carbon-fibre paddle houses a Bluetooth remote inspired by BMW’s “Neue Klasse” design language that allows paddlers to switch into “FREUDE Mode” (German for "joy)" which activates extra thrust, ambient lighting and haptic feedback. A built-in safety feature includes an automatic motor cut-off if the paddle falls into the water, and a smartphone app gives paddlers access to route planning, GPS tracking, and battery monitoring. A 5000 lumen LED lighting system beneath the board enhances visibility in low-light conditions, not to mention looking exceptionally cool. BMW even offers a "Lifestyle Accessory Capsule," which comes with special accessories like an Insta360 X5 camera – allowing users to take incredible shots during a ride – and apparel from the BMW range.

With a little of the boater mindset clearly taken into consideration, cupholders and mounting points are also a high priority. The board’s design includes a 'SipaMount' mounting system with 17 attachment points for accessories like cupholders, cameras, waterproof bags, and coolers.

, drawing parallels to the automotive brand’s Neue Klasse aesthetic, and the product comes in three colour variants.

Retail pricing for the BMW x SipaBoards e-SUP will start at €3,990 in Europe or roughly $4600 USD.

You can see the sweet SUP in action in the video below:

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