BMW is working on its next generation of electric vehicles, known collectively as the Neue Klasse (German for “New Class”), and the first ones will be launched soon. They will be a sedan and an SUV, occupying the same segments as the 3 Series and X3.
The SUV goes into production in 2025 and the sedan is expected to arrive soon after. Previously, it was thought that the sedan would come first.
BMW introduced the sedan last year with the Vision Neue Klasse Conceptand on Thursday the automaker released a preview of the SUV with the Vision Neue Klasse X concept.
Anyone expecting a repeat of the sedan concept’s sleek front end will be disappointed, as the SUV sports a new set of BMW-exclusive kidney grilles, stretched vertically in the style of the grilles on the original 1960s Neue Klasse, the Series. 02. Here, the blacked-out grilles likely house sensors for electronic driver assistance features.
![BMW Vision Neue Klasse X Concept BMW Vision Neue Klasse X Concept](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/bmw-vision-neue-klasse-x-concept_100922964_l.webp.webp)
BMW Vision Neue Klasse X Concept
The rest of the details are similar to the sedan, in that the designers used cleaner surfaces than those typically found in modern BMWs, plus a greenhouse with large window areas, including a panoramic glass roof to help flood the interior. cabin with light. BMW said drag is also about 20% lower than a comparable current model, which should be a plus for range.
The Vision Neue Klasse X, like the previous Vision Neue Klasse, also previews the future direction of BMW interior design. The pared-down interior is similar to that found in a Tesla, with BMW stating its aim was to keep analogue controls to a minimum. There are still some controls on the steering wheel, but most interaction is done through a central infotainment screen, a voice assistant, gesture control, and a head-up display that spans the entire width of the windshield.
BMW calls the new head-up display Panoramic Vision and says the system is capable of projecting information at the ideal height in the driver’s line of sight. A separate head-up display capable of projecting 3D graphics replaces the instrument panel. BMW said this system can display necessary information such as automated driver assistance alerts or navigation guidance such as 3D animations in the driver’s line of sight.
A new feature introduced in the Vision Neue Klasse X is what BMW calls the HYPERSONX WHEEL. This is a digital resource that can create a personalized sound experience. BMW is light on details, but said the sound is generated in real time and can be adjusted with the touch of a finger.
![BMW Vision Neue Klasse X Concept BMW Vision Neue Klasse X Concept](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/bmw-vision-neue-klasse-x-concept_100922953_l.webp.webp)
BMW Vision Neue Klasse X Concept
![BMW Vision Neue Klasse X Concept BMW Vision Neue Klasse X Concept](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/bmw-vision-neue-klasse-x-concept_100922959_l.webp.webp)
BMW Vision Neue Klasse X Concept
![BMW Vision Neue Klasse X Concept BMW Vision Neue Klasse X Concept](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/bmw-vision-neue-klasse-x-concept_100922945_l.webp.webp)
BMW Vision Neue Klasse X Concept
Neue Klasse vehicles are being developed on a next-generation EV platform that promises greater power and efficiency, as well as faster charging thanks to an 800-volt electrical system. And BMW’s own steering and chassis control software must also guarantee typical BMW handling characteristics.
Neue Klasse vehicles will also benefit from a next-generation battery with new cylindrical cells (instead of the current prismatic cell design) and, together with other improvements, should result in a 30% range improvement about BMW’s current EVs, the automaker previously said.
Prototypes for production version from Vision Neue Klasse X have already been spotted. It is being developed together a redesigned version of the gas-powered X3. Expect the electric SUV to be called the iX3, the name BMW uses for the electric current sold abroad. Likewise, the sedan will likely be called the i3, a name already used on an electric version of the current 3 Series sedan. sold exclusively in China.
Production of the SUV was confirmed by BMW on Thursday as planned at a new factory under construction in Debrecen, Hungary. The start of production in 2025 points to arrival in the US as a 2026 model. Neue Klasse electric vehicles will also be built in factories in Germany and China, starting in 2026, and in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, starting in 2027 .