For over two years, BWW has been promising the introduction of a new class of high-tech vehicles with dramatically improved efficiency. On Saturday, the company presented its “Vision New Class” for the first time, giving us a glimpse of what the BMW brand will look like in the future.
CEO Oliver Zipse unveiled BMW’s three-step plan in March 2021 to transform the automaker in the wake of the electric age.
In the first phase, the pioneering project “i” was launched, in which electrical know-how was transferred to series production with models (especially plug-in hybrids) such as the i3 and i8.
In the second phase, BMW began offering fully electric powertrain options in some of its most popular segments, including i4, i5, i7 and more. Now the automobile manufacturer is giving us an insight into the third phase with the BMW Vision Neue Klasse.
The term “Neue Klasse” refers to BMW’s small, sporty cars that debuted in the 1960s and helped open up a new segment for the brand.
Frank Weber, Head of Development at BMW AG, said:
With the new class we have made the largest investment in the company’s history. We’re not just writing the next chapter of BMW; We’re writing a whole new book. That’s why the New Class will certainly influence all model generations.
The new class of vehicles, scheduled to debut in 2025, will ride on a dramatically improved EV platform that is set to shape the future of the brand. According to BMW, the new class will offer “30% more range, 30% faster charging and an overall 25% increase in vehicle efficiency.”
BMW boss Oliver Zipse next to the “Vision Neue Klasse” concept (Source: BMW)
Get to know the electric models of the Vision Neue Klasse from BMW
The design features of the exterior will characterize the various models of BMW’s New Class. The head of BMW Group Design explained: “The design of the Neue Klasse is typically BMW and so advanced that it looks as if we have skipped a model generation.”
BMW Vision New Class (Source: BMW)
That cannot be denied. You can see clear BMW features such as robust wheel arches, a retractable greenhouse and a “shark nose” front end, albeit with a somewhat futuristic upgrade.
The new EV concept features a nearly monolithic vehicle body, large windows and indentations at the front and rear, giving it a unique aesthetic.
Other design elements such as the typical BMW kidney grille and the double headlights are merged into one area at the front.
(Source: BMW)
Next generation BMW iDrive
The New Class models will be equipped with the next generation of BMW iDrive. Interaction with the vehicle takes place via BMW Panoramic Vision, the central display and (some) buttons on the steering wheel. Otherwise, most of the analog controls have been removed.
For the first time, BMW’s Neue Klasse vehicles will be equipped with BMW Panoramic Vision, a new high-tech head-up display displayed in the lower third of the windshield.
The new BMW 3D head-up display shows active driving information with 3D animations. The multifunction steering wheel allows users to control the display contents of the panoramic view and BMW 3D head-up display by keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the steering wheel.
According to BMW, the minimalist interior, which completely avoids decorative chrome or leather, will help optimize the carbon footprint during production.
BMW Vision New Class Interior (Source: BMW)
The New Class focuses on efficiency both inside and outside the vehicle. BMW says the new electric models will be built at its new factory in Debrecen, Hungary, “completely without fossil fuels and with much greater use of raw and secondary materials produced with reduced CO2 emissions.”
The vehicles are characterized by high energy efficiency with optimized weight, air and rolling resistance as well as an intelligent heat management system.
In addition to highly efficient electric motors, the advances in BMW eDrive technology also include new round battery cells that offer 20% higher energy density than previous prismatic cells. Charging speed is also improved by up to 30%, while range is increased by up to 30%.
BMW Vision New Class (Source: BMW)
BMW says the changes increase the vehicle’s overall efficiency by up to 25%. BMW’s New Class is expected to come onto the market in 2025 with two new models. The first is said to be a production version of the model shown at the IAA, the second is an SUV.
The Vision Vehicle will be shown to the public for the first time at the IAA Mobility in Munich from September 5th to 10th.
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