Building the future!
BMW has a new concept car, and the time has come for its big — yet quiet — reveal! The next show car, offering a glimpse of the future for the BMW brand, is poised to come from under cover during the BMW Group Annual Conference 2024 on March 21. All we know is that it is referred to as a “vision vehicle on the Road to Neue Klasse,” electric, digital and circular, although anything linked to the German luxury automaker is sure to turn heads!
Here’s more….
What we know so far!
There is much speculation of what this concept “might be,” with the original Vision Neue Klasse assuming the shape of a sedan in the 3 Series segment when it premiered last September at the IAA Mobility show in Munich. But the first production model on the dedicated electric car platform will definitely be a crossover or will it be a sedan? Whatever it is, though, it will be a closer-to-production vehicle considering the first Neue Klasse-based model will head to production in 2025. It is expected that the ball will get rolling in July 2025 at the new Debrecen plant in Hungary before the sedan begins to roll off the assembly line in Munich in 2026. NK-based models are also planned for Mexico and China.
What comes after the crossover and sedan is also uncertain, although BMW has hinted that it may be an electric 3 Series Touring-like model and even something along the lines of an iX4.
Looking ahead, at minimum, six Neue Klasse models are planned to hit the market by 2028. These will be sold alongside the current crop of EVs based on platforms originally intended for cars with combustion engines: FAAR for the iX1 and iX2 and CLAR for the larger models.
Internal codenames are also on the horizon: “NA5,” is for the iX3; “NA1” for the i3 Touring; and the iX4 is “NA7.” BMW’s gasoline-fueled Cars are also getting codenames of their own. They are “ZA0” for the M3 Sedan; “ZA5” for the X3M; “ZA1” for the M3 Touring; and “ZA7” for the X4 M.
This concept is expected to have a design pared down to key BMW-typical elements and with its clear design language complete with expansive surfaces and a few distinctive lines, represent the next generation of BMW iDrive as interface between real and virtual worlds. Completely free of decorative chrome or leather so as to optimize the carbon footprint of the production process, the inside will boast more efficiency and driving pleasure due in large part to the six-generation BMW eDrive technology. The approach of this concept will center on signature features like the BMW kidney grille and the Hofmeister kink of the side window graphic, embodying a true BMW look and feel.
Inside, thanks to the next-generation BMW iDrive, a unique digital user experience is not only guaranteed but celebrated. Inside is also an example of the increased use of secondary raw materials, resource-efficient production and a fully electric drivetrain with sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology that serves to reduce the carbon footprint of the Neue Klasse across the vehicle lifecycle. Bright cord fabrics result in a cozy atmosphere within. with the light-colored
instrument panel supporting the steering wheel, which is flattened at the top and bottom, as well as the Central Display with Matrix-Backlight in the outline of a parallelo-gram.
Front seats, which are attached to the floor by a single bracket, result in freeing up space for additional legroom in the rear which gives added space for passengers.
Outside are elements that define the various Neue Klasse models, with clear, elegant and timeless touches.
The concept will be manufactured at the new plant in Debrecen, Hungary, followed by production in Munich and Shenyang, China, in 2026, and entirely without fossil fuels. It will also be produced in San Luis Potosi in Mexico with sedans and SUVs in 2027 and will feature highly efficient electric motors, as well as major advances in the new eDrive technology, including newly developed round battery cells. Many battery plants are also planned.
“The design of the Neue Klasse is typically BMW and so progressive it looks like we skipped a model generation,” Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design, said.
From powerful wheel arches and an inset greenhouse to a steeply forward-slanting “shark nose” front end and 21-inch wheels that pay homage to the classic cross-spoke design inspired by motorsports, this vehicle showcases many BMW classic features. Meanwhile a new aesthetic is also made clear in a monolithic vehicle body, strong indentations at the front and rear as well as large window areas.
Luminous paint in “joyous bright” with a subtle yellow hue highlights the exterior, bringing forth a futuristic, yet friendly personality. That soft and subtle hue is contrasted with black side skirts and bumpers. Thanks to the increased percentage of secondary raw materials and significantly reduced material variety, targeted improvements to enhance circularity have been realized. In addition, an improved dismantling concept will aid in optimizing recycling of the vehicles of the Neue Klasse.
The front end is a single interaction area due in large part to the fresh interpretation of the brand’s signature design elements including the kidney grille and double headlights.There is a lighting effect with precise three-dimensional animation that initiatives intuitive interaction between the human and their vehicle as soon as they approach the car, and E Ink elements on the lower portion of the side windows are equally welcoming. They direct attention to the sensor area that activates automatic door opening. Innovative technology is also made clear in the rear light design with 3-D printed light elements that uniquely extend over several levels and are controlled in a targeted manner to create the illusion of depth.
Next-gen touches
A minimal approach is found within when it comes to analogue operating controls, with human-car interaction of keen focus and found through the BMW Panoramic Vision, the Central Display and multifunction buttons on the steering wheel. The user experience is rounded out by the sophisticated voice control of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. It is important to note that this is the first time the Panoramic Vision is made available in the Neue Klasse. Both driver and passenger alike will be able to interact with information as a result, creating an incredible shared user experience.
There is also a coordinated choreography between the ambient lighting and graphic elements of the Central Display and the BMW Panoramic Vision. Customization is available through “My Modes.”
The concept features cameras for side mirrors and no door handles. Instead, sensors open the door. In addition, a stunning glass roof extends the length of the vehicle and is laminated and may be tinted so as to integrate shading. A charging port is found on the rear quarter panel on the driver’s side.
Electrification, digitalization and circularity are the core elements of this concept, which boasts 30 percent more range, 30 percent faster charging and 25 percent more efficiency.
“The BMW Vision Neue Klasse combines our ability to innovate in the core areas of electrification, digitalization and circularity,” Oliver Zipse, chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG,” said. “In this way, we are always able to stay two steps ahead of the future: The Neue Klasse is already bringing the mobility of the next decade to the roads in 2025 — and leading BMW into a new era.”
“We are not just writing the next chapter of BMW, we’re writing a whole new book,” added Frank Weber, member of the board of management of BMW AG responsible for development. “That’s why the Neue Klasse will certainly impact all model generations.”
A clear glimpse into the future is found here, and this concept is nothing short of remarkable and a “vision vehicle” both inside and out. With core elements that include electrification, digitalization and circularity and with much speculation over what this car “might be,” a debut will soon reveal what building the future is all about!
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