BMW Neue Klasse generation will begin with the iX3

The BMW Group Annual Conference 2025 was held on 14 March, and Group CEO Oliver Zipse confirmed that the first Neue Klasse model will be called the iX3. Already previewed with the Vision Neue Klasse X, the production model will be unveiled in September at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Germany, with production beginning in the end of 2025. 

The brand has already been highlighting some of the key innovations of the Neue Klasse. These include the new Gen6 eDrive technology, which promises a 30% increase in range and 30% faster charging rate compared to the Gen5 system. The Gen6 system's high-voltage battery uses round cells and a 800V system, which helps to increase battery density by 20% and offer bi-directional charging. The brand is also aiming to reduce costs for the high-voltage battery by up to 50%, which would help bring down the overall cost (and price) of BEVs. Interestingly, BMW also says that in the future, "customers will be able to choose between models with one, two, three or four electric motors" - certainly bookmarking the future of high-performance models. 

The Neue Klasse will also mark the launch of the new Panoramic iDrive system, powered by Operating System X. The Neue Klasse will also have a new electronics architecture, built around four "super-branins" that control all of the car's technological systems. One of these ECUs is dubbed the 'Heart of Joy', which controls the car's driving characteristics. The other three units will control various car functions including automated and semi-automated driving, the car's infotainment system, and basic functions such as climate control and comfort-enhancing systems, vehicle access, and interior and exterior lighting.

The BMW Group expects to be able to slightly increase overall deliveries in 2025, with the Group earnings before taxes to be similar to 2024 

The confirmation of the 'iX3' name for the first Neue Klasse comes with little surprise - when the Vision Neue Klasse X was first shown, the concept car's general proportions marked it out a compact SUV model (the segment that the current X3/iX3 occupies). Expectedly, the brand is beginning the Neue Klasse roll out with more mass-focused models. A sedan model will follow (teased by the Vision Neue Klasse car) in 2026, and we should fully expect it to be the spiritual and fully-electric successor of the 3 Series (and potentially called the i3). 

During the Annual Conference, it was also announced that 40 new and updated models will be introduced across all drivetrains from now until 2027. Of note, all models introduced after the iX3 will feature the new Panoramic iDrive system, heralding the next generation of the brand's user interface. Plans to launch a hydrogen-powered production vehicle are also ongoing, with the first series production fuel-cell vehicle slated to be released in 2028. This continues the brand's commitment to a "technology-open approach", with combustion engines, plug-in hybrids and BEVs continuing to form the brand's product portfolio moving forward. 

From a broader business perspective, the China market has had a clear impact on the brand's global business. Depressed consumer demand in China has played a major role in the company's 2024 performance (4% decrease in automotive deliveries, and drops in revenue and profits), though the Group's earnings in 2024 was in line with adjusted guidance. BMW posted growth in three out of four regions, but with the China market making up more than 25% of sales, the impact of the China market on the global business is unmistakable. 

The company is projecting slight increases in overall deliveries across both automotive and motorcycle sectors in 2025. Group earnings before taxes is expected to be similar to 2024, taking into account the impact of tariffs that have been announced through 12 March.