Meet the new face of BMW – literally. This Neue Klasse X concept previews the new look for BMW’s next generation of electric SUVs, and follows closely in the wheel tracks of the Neue Klasse saloon concept, which has already done the same for the firm’s next electric cars.
It’s no flight of fancy either. The BMW Neue Klasse X has been confirmed for production in 2025, when it will likely be named as the next BMW iX3 – just as the Neue Klasse saloon is set to become the next i3 when it reaches showrooms in 2026.
As well as the visual drama of new ‘monolithic’ exterior design, the concept also reveals details of BMW’s sixth-generation electric vehicle technology. This will deliver a 25% increase in overall vehicle efficiency, culminating in a 30% increase in electric driving range compared with current equivalent models.
Fundamental to this is a new design of battery pack – which uses cylindrical cells rather than the existing prismatic pouches – but the Neue Klasse brings in a whole host of upgraded motors and electronics, too. All of which will help optimise the new electric BMWs for both driving pleasure and efficiency.
For instance, instead of many separate electronic control units (ECUs) spread throughout the car, the Neue Klass X will rely on just four ‘superbrains’, one each for the driving experience, the safety and assistance systems, the infotainment, and non-driving functions such as lights and wipers.
A new generation of BMW electric drive technology
The driving superbrain – known at BMW as the Heart of Joy – was developed by the company to be 10 times faster than the current solutions. It brings together control of the electric motors, chassis, suspension and steering all in one place, speeding up how quickly these previously individual systems are able to collaborate.
This, we’re promised, means more fun behind the wheel and greater response for the same level of power – simply because the Neue Klasse is able to react faster. BMW has even optimised the wiring looms for reduced weight and better performance, and carefully considered where each superbrain should be positioned within the vehicle.
Not that the Neue Klasse will be short of power, mind. BMW is openly talking about performance versions having four electric motors and 1,000hp. Which is mildly alarming compared with the pace of most current traffic.
Ordinary Neue Klasse models will be more reasonable single- and dual-motor machines.
Design, interior and infotainment
You might notice that the outside of the Neue Klasse X is formed of fewer individual parts – a theme that carries over into the interior, where BMW is also aiming to replace adhesives with reusable fasteners. This is all part of a drive to become more environmentally consciously, enabling easier end-of-life recycling, deploying more sustainable materials, and using fewer resources in the first place.
Some of the plastics are second-life fishing nets, for example, while the upholstery is decidedly not leather. It seems a shame that BMW’s felt so many buttons were also unnecessary, as there are very few physical controls left in the Neue Klasse X cabin. Hopefully this won’t be a case of throwing the baby out with the bathwater, as the SUV is set to rely on the main touchscreen and voice control instead.
The main screen is an unusual shape, too, part of a plan to make BMW interiors feel more bespoke than rivals’ – another interesting development in this area being Panoramic Vision. This is a narrow full-width display just below the windscreen that can be customised with widgets as the drive sees fit. Production ready and seemingly very slick in operation.
The infotainment in general will be heavily customisable as well, thanks to downloadable skins, while BMW is threatening to let us design our own driving noises – hopefully just for broadcast inside the car, rather than out. A detailed 3D head-up display will add further useful information into the driver’s line of sight.
What this means for you
BMW is deadly serious about shaking up its entire product line with the Neue Klasse programme – describing it as ‘fundamentally rethinking the car’ – so it will be interesting to see how existing and potential buyers react when the production version of the new iX3 hits the road next year.
Everything the firm is saying about EV efficiency and driving thrills sounds very promising, and the vehicles look better than most BMWs in recent memory, too.
But don’t worry if you’re a BMW fan and not ready to make the electric transition. The German brand has pledged to keep building petrol, diesel and hybrid models alongside the forthcoming Neue Klasse range for the time being.
You can expect these old school road warriors to look similar but not use the same underlying platform, as the Neue Klasse is electric only to maximise its capabilities. And from what we’ve seen and been told so far, that means exciting times ahead for the next era of BMW.
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