The first fully-electric raised derivative on the new architecture will go into series production at Plant Debrecen (Hungary) in 2025.
“Together with the BMW Vision Neue Klasse, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X showcases the breadth of our future BMW model line-up. The Neue Klasse reflects the variety of all the models that customers want today and in the future – from sporty sedan, with all its derivatives, to modern SAV family,” says Oliver Zipse, chairman of the board of management of BMW AG.
“In this way, we are underlining that the Neue Klasse is much more than just a car or a specific concept; it is redefining the BMW brand – and, at the same time, will be more BMW than ever.”
The company presented a clear picture of the brand's future as a sedan with the BMW Vision Neue Klasse at IAA 2023.
The latest Vision Vehicle now illustrates how BMW sees the future of its X models.
Drive and chassis control is developed specially for the Neue Klasse.
Its sustainability concept also ensures responsible production, operations, disassembly and recycling.
A new type of drive and chassis control which delivers a superior driving experience, is based on a new software stack developed in-house by the BMW Group.
Two out of four new super-brains will take the driving experience in the Neue Klasse to a new dimension.
Frank Weber, member of the board of management of BMW AG responsible for development, explains: “The BMW of the future will have four totally new super-brains: high-performance computers working smartly together on what, up until now, was processed separately. We developed the first super-brain completely in-house. It integrates the entire powertrain and driving dynamics with up to ten times more computing power. The second super-brain will enable the next quantum leap in automated driving,” Weber continues.
“Going forward, we will combine four key control units in a single high-performance computer. The result will be more dynamic performance, more precision, more efficiency and even more fun to drive.”
In the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X, the Personal Sound Experience, presented for the first time with the new Hypersonx Wheel, opens up further possibilities.
With this digital function, car occupants can enjoy their favourite sound on any trip.
The sound is generated in real time and adjusted with the tap of a finger on the Hypersonx Wheel.
In the Neue Klasse, the latest, sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology is key.
In addition to improved e-drive units, it also features new and now round lithium-ion battery cells, with a volumetric energy density more than 20% higher than that of the prismatic cells previously used.
In combination with the transition to an 800-volt system, this will improve charging speed by up to 30% – allowing vehicles to charge enough for a 300km range in just 10 minutes.
The sixth generation of BMW eDrive also delivers up to 30% more range.
When it comes to aerodynamics, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X boasts of drag reduced by 20% to a comparable model in the current line-up.
New tyre designs and a special brake system for fully-electric vehicles help increase overall vehicle efficiency by up to 25%.
A completely plant-based, mineral-based and petroleum-free surface material “Verdana” was developed for the interior.
It will be used in the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X in the lower portion of the door panelling and in the centre console.
Maritime plastics are also being utilised for the first time for injection-moulded parts.
In selected components, this secondary raw material, which is obtained, for example, from discarded fishing nets, already accounts for 30%.
The choice of materials and construction method enable easier disassembly of components and improved recyclability.
The side skirts and front and rear apron attachments are also produced from recycled mono-materials.
In this, the new design concept follows the principle of the BMW i Vision Circular presented in 2021, which relied extensively on mono-materials to optimise recyclability.
