This paper evaluates the design of a new segmented interior permanent magnet (SIPM) machine with very wide constant power operation range. The machine uses segmentation of the rotor magnets with the help of iron bridges between magnet segments. This provides for an inherent flux-weakening capability to the interior permanent magnet (IPM) machine. A very wide flux-weakening range has been achieved by using a standard distributed stator winding only. The flux-weakening capability of the proposed SIPM motor was compared to a conventional IPM machine. The same stator was used in both machines for direct comparison. The paper also presents the design optimization process and experimental verification of the performance of the proposed machine as a case study of a 42 V alternator operation in which the speed range is from 600 to 6000 r/min.