Hold on tight! BMW's Neue Klasse is here

With the presentation of the Vision Neue Klasse X prototype, the Bavarian firm has wanted to offer a preview of what we can expect from the production version of the new generation of the iX3. It will be the first electric model of the long-awaited Neue Klasse, which will reach the European market during the second half of next year. Its series production will take place at the Hungarian plant in Debrecen.

Although from the images distributed by the Bavarian firm, we would all say we are looking at a new electric SUV, BMW prefers to refer to this prototype as an SAV, Sport Activity Vehicle, thus highlighting that it has been developed with the aim of promoting a different lifestyle.

BMW has not wanted to reveal specific details of what we can expect from the new electric models of the Neue Klasse, but there is no doubt that the new generation of electric vehicles from the Bavarian firm, which will debut with the production version of the Vision Neue Klasse X prototype, will be a turning point in the company’s history. A disruptive change that will mark a before and after.

Welcome to the new BMW

With the Neue Klasse, the sixth generation of BMW eDrive powertrains will make its debut, along with a new chassis control system, whose main feature will be its harmonious behavior in any circumstance, according to the company itself. To make this possible, they explain, two of the four high-performance computers that will equip these vehicles – which BMW calls “Superbrains” – will focus specifically on these functions, making use for this of novel and advanced software developed over recent years by the brand’s own engineers.

The Neue Klasse will also mark the leap to an 800V architecture, reducing the vehicle’s weight and substantially improving the charging power supported above 200 kW. To give us an idea of what this means, BMW states that in just 10 minutes of charging it will be possible to add around 300 km of range. The use of new-generation cells, which will be round instead of prismatic, will also allow the implementation of cell-to-pack technology, bringing the vehicle’s total range to figures that could be around 600 km. Although no concrete data is known yet.

Regarding the design, both the exterior and the interior of the cabin, the changes are also substantial. First of all, the new kidney-shaped front grille that identifies the brand stands out. It is now vertical, as it was in its origins, and the chrome has been replaced by illuminated three-dimensional lines, giving it a much more modern and avant-garde look. The light units have been integrated into the front of the vehicle, and the door handles have been replaced by “handles” that remind us a lot of the solution chosen by Ford on the Mustang Mach-E.

Feel at home

Inside, the steering wheel has been completely redesigned and looks splendid. It integrates touch controls on the right and left, with which it is possible to manage the spectacular panoramic screen BMW Panoramic Vision that stretches from side to side of the vehicle, acting as a HUD due to its location. However, this does not mean there will be no HUD, since BMW will also integrate one for navigation with Augmented Reality. According to the company, the BMW Panoramic Vision will allow access at a glance to the most relevant information while driving, such as speed, range, outside temperature, etc…

Finally, we must mention the aerodynamic improvements. BMW states that air resistance in the Vision Neue Klasse X has been reduced by around 20 percent compared to the BMW iX3 currently on sale. A percentage that could be even greater in future models in the saloon segment. If we add a new wheel design and some improvements in energy regeneration, the total increase in the vehicle’s efficiency could be around 25 percent, according to the engineers of the Bavarian firm.

In short, as Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, asserts, the Neue Klasse is much more than a new generation of a specific model, as it is going to completely redefine the BMW brand for the future.

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