The all-electric Neue Klasse X concept is the first SUV of the Neue Klasse series, which with its name looks back to history, but for BMW it is a big thing for the near future.
The iX3-sized production novelty will go into production in 2025 and will join the production version of the Neue Klasse sedan, which was also presented as a concept last year.
As with the sedan, the design of the Neue Klasse X gives a reasonably good idea of what to expect from the production car. The X is the second of six electric cars to ride on the Neue Klasse platform, all due to be launched between 2025 and 2027.
Photo: BMW
The automaker describes the design language as more moderate, which fits in comparison with the brand’s latest innovations, which stand out for their truly expressive design.
The concept has narrow kidney stones at the front that are very reminiscent of classic BMWs like the 2002 and of course the original Neue Klasse sedan from the 1960s. The radiator grilles shine, as is common for BMWs these days. The lights themselves follow the trend set by the previous Neue Klasse concept, ditching the circles and getting vertical LEDs instead.
Inside, you will not find the circular iDrive controller, the buttons on the steering wheel work with the central display and the panoramic display under the windshield.
A little reboot
Although BMW began mass-producing battery electric cars in 2013 with the BMW i brand and the i3, and has continued smoothly with five new generations of electric powertrains, the EVs labeled as Neue Klasse seem to be a fresh start in a fast-growing industry.
BMW presents the Vision Neue Klasse conceptVideo: BMW Group
The name already follows the series of sedans and coupes produced between 1962 and 1972. These models largely saved the automaker after the financial crisis of the 1950s and established the identity of BMW cars as mid-size sports sedans.
The sixth generation of the brand’s electric drive, with which the new platform counts, in addition to improved integrated electric drive units, also has new cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells with a volumetric energy density of more than 20 percent exceeding the previously used prismatic cells.
BMW says that in combination with the switch to an 800-volt architecture, the charging speed will simultaneously increase by up to 30 percent. Thanks to this, the cars will be able to charge for another 300 km of driving in just ten minutes. The car should also offer up to 30 percent longer range than the previous generation of the drive.
Production of the serial version of the SUV, which does not yet have an exact name, will begin in 2025 in Debrecen, Hungary. The sedan will follow immediately after, and the home plant in Munich is also being prepared for the Neue Klaus models.
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