BMW is working on its next generation of electric vehicles, known collectively as Neue Klasse, and the first ones are coming soon. It will be a sedan and an SUV that sit in the same segments as the 3 Series and the X3.
The SUV will go into production in 2025, with the sedan expected to follow shortly afterwards. Until now, it was assumed that the sedan would come first.
BMW introduced the sedan last year with the Vision New Class Conceptand on Thursday, the automaker previewed the Vision New Class X SUV concept.
Anyone expecting a repeat of the sedan concept’s sleek front end will be disappointed, as the SUV features a new set of BMW-typical kidney grilles that are vertically stretched in the style of the grilles of the original 1960s Neue Klasse, the 02 series. Here, the darkened radiator grilles probably house sensors for electronic driver assistance functions.
BMW Vision New Class X concept
The rest of the details are similar to the sedan, as the designers have chosen cleaner surfaces than usual in modern BMWs, as well as a greenhouse with large window areas, including a panoramic glass roof, to flood the interior with light. According to BMW, the air resistance is also around 20% lower than that of a comparable current model, which should have a positive effect on the range.
The New Class Vision’s simple interior is similar to that of a Tesla, and BMW said its goal was to keep analog controls to a minimum. There are still some controls on the steering wheel, but the majority of interaction comes via a central infotainment screen, a voice assistant, gesture controls and a head-up display that stretches the width of the windshield.
BMW calls the new head-up display “Panorama Vision” and says the system is capable of projecting information at the ideal height of the driver’s line of sight. A separate head-up display that can project 3D graphics replaces the instrument cluster. According to BMW, this system can display necessary information such as automated driver assistance warnings or navigation instructions as 3D animations in the driver’s field of vision.
A new feature introduced in the Vision Neue Klasse X is what BMW calls HypersonX Wheel. This is a digital function that can create a personalized sound experience. BMW pays attention to detail, but says the sound is generated in real time and can be adjusted with a tap.
BMW Vision New Class X concept
BMW Vision New Class X concept
BMW Vision New Class X concept
New Class vehicles are being developed on a next-generation EV platform that promises improved performance and efficiency as well as faster charging thanks to an 800-volt electrical system. BMW’s own drive and chassis control software is also intended to ensure typical BMW driving characteristics.
New Class vehicles will also benefit from a next-generation battery with new cylindrical cells (instead of the current prismatic cell design) and should result in a battery along with other improvements Range improvement by 30% compared to BMW’s current electric vehicles, the automaker has previously said.
Prototypes for the series version the Vision New Class X have already been spotted. It is being further developed in parallel a revised version of the gas-powered X3. Expect the electric SUV to be called the iX3, the name BMW is using for it current electric X3 sold abroad. Likewise, the sedan will likely be called i3, a name already used for an electric version of the current 3 Series sedan sold exclusively in China.
BMW confirmed on Thursday that it plans to produce the SUV at a new factory under construction in Debrecen, Hungary. The start of production in 2025 suggests it will arrive in the US as a 2026 model. From 2026, New Class electric vehicles will also be built in plants in Germany and China, and from 2027 in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
