BMW unveils its Vision Neue Klasse X
21 Mar 2024|5,617 views
Back in the 1960s, BMW's Neue Klasse marked a reinvention of the brand. With the launch of the BMW 1500, the compact three-box sport sedan helped establish the brand's identity.
Half a century on, as the automotive world transitions steadily into electrification, BMW will have a new Neue Klasse, with production set to begin on these next-generation models in 2025.
Since the initial announcement of the upcoming Neue Klasse in May 2021, BMW has been slowly providing glimpses into that future - with information about new software architecture, the new generation eDrive system, new interior technology, as well as two Vision vehicles: The i Vision Circular and i Vision Dee.
Unveiled in 2023, the Vision Neue Klasse espouses the three-box sport sedan design that defined BMW's original Neue Klasse
However, the future took its most concrete form when the Vision Neue Klasse was unveiled for the first time in 2023 - a visually-recognisable, compact three-box sport sedan bursting with technology and modernity, whilst still retaining hallmark BMW qualities.
And now, BMW has revealed its newest concept model, and our closest look yet of what future BMWs will look like come 2025: The Vision Neue Klasse X.
However, it is the newest and latest concept model - the Vision Klasse X - that is most representative of the first of the upcoming Neue Klasse models to come
A bigger future
As the X in the name would suggest, this model points the way forward for BMW's Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) models. Unsurprisingly, given how popular the SAV/SUV segment is, this represents a key direction for the brand. In fact, while it may be the latest model unveiled, it is in fact the most representative of the first Neue Klasse model that will be produced. (As a BMW spokesperson tells us, it is "very close" to the production model.) Yes, with the new-generation BMWs, an SUV will come before a sedan. That's 2025 for you.
On the design front, the Vision Neue Klasse X features a pared-down design language on the familiar two-box design of a BMW X model. An all-electric architecture also allows for a long wheelbase and short overhangs, which translate to increased interior space. Additionally, large expanses of glass allow light to flood in, further emphasising the sense of space.
One key takeaway from the exterior of this Vision Neue Klasse X is the kidney grille - the vertical alignment and backlit contours will be used specifically on all future X models.
The vertically-arranged kidney grille design will be a hallmark of all upcoming BMW X models
The interior, while still a concept car, showcases a number of important elements that are reflective of what is to come with the future production models. The first is the new Central Display. Unlike the current Curved Display setup seen in most contemporary BMWs, the new Central Display is free standing, and not angled towards the driver. The idea, of course, is that this display isn't just about driving information and functions. It wants to also serve as an entertainment screen, allowing all passengers to perhaps watch shows or even play games (features actually already offered on some current BMW models).
The second is the Panoramic Vision Display, which presents information on a digital display that stretches from A-pillar to A-pillar. As witnessed in the Vision Neue Klasse X, the Panoramic Vision Display can be easily customised by simply dragging and dropping the relevant widgets into the appropriate spaces, using the Central Display. In upcoming production models, the Panoramic Vision Display will be complemented by a new 3D head-up display, able to project relevant information on the road ahead of the vehicle. Finally, there is also the new-look steering wheel, where all cabin and driving functions can be controlled using the wheel-mounted controls.
And of course, with key sustainability objectives in mind, the interior of the Vision Neue Klasse X features a completely plant-based, mineral-based and petroleum-free surface material. The design concept follows the principle of the i Vision Circular - extensively using mono-materials to allow for greater recyclability.
Design and technology elements like the Panoramic Vision Display and free-standing Central Display will be found in the upcoming Neue Klasse models
Efficient progress
The Neue Klasse vehicles will also feature the sixth generation eDrive system. New round lithium-ion battery cells will have 20% higher energy density, and in combination with improved e-drive units can deliver up to 30% more range. And with a transition to an 800V system, BMW says that charging speed will improve by up to 30%, which could allow vehicles to charge enough for a 300km range in just 10 minutes.
While there is a clear and obvious focus on increasing efficiency through design and engineering, BMW is still steadfastly dedicated to dynamic driving performance. While exact details and specifications are still sparse, one key development is a new in-house developed software stack and what the brand is calling 'super-brains'. Where a modern car typically features upside of 80 electronic control units (ECUs) that process information separately and discreetly, the next generation BMW models that the Neue Klasse X previews will instead have just four 'super-brains'.
The sixth-generation eDrive system will boast greater capability and efficiency, with BMW promising up to 30% faster charging rates
Effectively functioning like "super ECUs", these super-brains enable faster and more efficient data processing through centralisation. Instead of having multiple discreet ECUs operating concurrently, data processing and decision-making will instead be conducted within these 'super-brains', allowing the brand to physically reduce the amount of wiring harnesses required, which has computational benefits, but also manufacturing ones as well.
One of those 'super-brains' will handle the integration of powertrain and driving dynamics, and delivers up to 10 times more computing power. Another important aspect of future models is autonomous driving, another function that will be the domain of one of these 'super-brains'.
Beyond simply what it previews visually and functionally, the Vision Neue Klasse X also emphasises BMW's sustainability push. The future Neue Klasse models will be produced at BMW Group Plant Debrecen in Hungary - when production begins, it will be BMW's first manufacturing site in the world to run on entirely fossil-free energy. And with more resource-efficient production in the future heralded in when the production of the Neue Klasse gets underway in 2025, BMW is looking to reduces its overall CO2 footprint.
The original Neue Klasse helped establish BMW's brand identity, but the new Neue Klasse, as most exemplified by this latest concept, will reinvent the brand for an all electric future
The future is near
With the Vision Neue Klasse X, the world is getting its closest look yet of what the next generation of BMWs will look like. While the concept vehicle certainly highlights many of the upcoming aesthetic choices and technological advancements to come, more relevant for customers would be the promise of increased efficiency. With the Neue Klasse being built entirely on an all-electric architecture, advances in technology will be able to deliver more efficient and capable EVs, while still delivering the dynamic capability that's core to BMW's identity.
Back in the 1960s, BMW's Neue Klasse marked a reinvention of the brand. With the launch of the BMW 1500, the compact three-box sport sedan helped establish the brand's identity.
Half a century on, as the automotive world transitions steadily into electrification, BMW will have a new Neue Klasse, with production set to begin on these next-generation models in 2025.
Since the initial announcement of the upcoming Neue Klasse in May 2021, BMW has been slowly providing glimpses into that future - with information about new software architecture, the new generation eDrive system, new interior technology, as well as two Vision vehicles: The i Vision Circular and i Vision Dee.
Unveiled in 2023, the Vision Neue Klasse espouses the three-box sport sedan design that defined BMW's original Neue Klasse
However, the future took its most concrete form when the Vision Neue Klasse was unveiled for the first time in 2023 - a visually-recognisable, compact three-box sport sedan bursting with technology and modernity, whilst still retaining hallmark BMW qualities.
And now, BMW has revealed its newest concept model, and our closest look yet of what future BMWs will look like come 2025: The Vision Neue Klasse X.
However, it is the newest and latest concept model - the Vision Klasse X - that is most representative of the first of the upcoming Neue Klasse models to come
A bigger future
As the X in the name would suggest, this model points the way forward for BMW's Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) models. Unsurprisingly, given how popular the SAV/SUV segment is, this represents a key direction for the brand. In fact, while it may be the latest model unveiled, it is in fact the most representative of the first Neue Klasse model that will be produced. (As a BMW spokesperson tells us, it is "very close" to the production model.) Yes, with the new-generation BMWs, an SUV will come before a sedan. That's 2025 for you.
On the design front, the Vision Neue Klasse X features a pared-down design language on the familiar two-box design of a BMW X model. An all-electric architecture also allows for a long wheelbase and short overhangs, which translate to increased interior space. Additionally, large expanses of glass allow light to flood in, further emphasising the sense of space.
One key takeaway from the exterior of this Vision Neue Klasse X is the kidney grille - the vertical alignment and backlit contours will be used specifically on all future X models.
The vertically-arranged kidney grille design will be a hallmark of all upcoming BMW X models
The interior, while still a concept car, showcases a number of important elements that are reflective of what is to come with the future production models. The first is the new Central Display. Unlike the current Curved Display setup seen in most contemporary BMWs, the new Central Display is free standing, and not angled towards the driver. The idea, of course, is that this display isn't just about driving information and functions. It wants to also serve as an entertainment screen, allowing all passengers to perhaps watch shows or even play games (features actually already offered on some current BMW models).
The second is the Panoramic Vision Display, which presents information on a digital display that stretches from A-pillar to A-pillar. As witnessed in the Vision Neue Klasse X, the Panoramic Vision Display can be easily customised by simply dragging and dropping the relevant widgets into the appropriate spaces, using the Central Display. In upcoming production models, the Panoramic Vision Display will be complemented by a new 3D head-up display, able to project relevant information on the road ahead of the vehicle. Finally, there is also the new-look steering wheel, where all cabin and driving functions can be controlled using the wheel-mounted controls.
And of course, with key sustainability objectives in mind, the interior of the Vision Neue Klasse X features a completely plant-based, mineral-based and petroleum-free surface material. The design concept follows the principle of the i Vision Circular - extensively using mono-materials to allow for greater recyclability.
Design and technology elements like the Panoramic Vision Display and free-standing Central Display will be found in the upcoming Neue Klasse models
Efficient progress
The Neue Klasse vehicles will also feature the sixth generation eDrive system. New round lithium-ion battery cells will have 20% higher energy density, and in combination with improved e-drive units can deliver up to 30% more range. And with a transition to an 800V system, BMW says that charging speed will improve by up to 30%, which could allow vehicles to charge enough for a 300km range in just 10 minutes.
While there is a clear and obvious focus on increasing efficiency through design and engineering, BMW is still steadfastly dedicated to dynamic driving performance. While exact details and specifications are still sparse, one key development is a new in-house developed software stack and what the brand is calling 'super-brains'. Where a modern car typically features upside of 80 electronic control units (ECUs) that process information separately and discreetly, the next generation BMW models that the Neue Klasse X previews will instead have just four 'super-brains'.
The sixth-generation eDrive system will boast greater capability and efficiency, with BMW promising up to 30% faster charging rates
Effectively functioning like "super ECUs", these super-brains enable faster and more efficient data processing through centralisation. Instead of having multiple discreet ECUs operating concurrently, data processing and decision-making will instead be conducted within these 'super-brains', allowing the brand to physically reduce the amount of wiring harnesses required, which has computational benefits, but also manufacturing ones as well.
One of those 'super-brains' will handle the integration of powertrain and driving dynamics, and delivers up to 10 times more computing power. Another important aspect of future models is autonomous driving, another function that will be the domain of one of these 'super-brains'.
Beyond simply what it previews visually and functionally, the Vision Neue Klasse X also emphasises BMW's sustainability push. The future Neue Klasse models will be produced at BMW Group Plant Debrecen in Hungary - when production begins, it will be BMW's first manufacturing site in the world to run on entirely fossil-free energy. And with more resource-efficient production in the future heralded in when the production of the Neue Klasse gets underway in 2025, BMW is looking to reduces its overall CO2 footprint.
The original Neue Klasse helped establish BMW's brand identity, but the new Neue Klasse, as most exemplified by this latest concept, will reinvent the brand for an all electric future
The future is near
With the Vision Neue Klasse X, the world is getting its closest look yet of what the next generation of BMWs will look like. While the concept vehicle certainly highlights many of the upcoming aesthetic choices and technological advancements to come, more relevant for customers would be the promise of increased efficiency. With the Neue Klasse being built entirely on an all-electric architecture, advances in technology will be able to deliver more efficient and capable EVs, while still delivering the dynamic capability that's core to BMW's identity.
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