BMW Vision Neue Klasse X electric concept sees the light of day

KUALA LUMPUR: In response to the growing trend towards electrification in the automotive sector and aiming to attract buyers from leading competitors like Tesla and Mercedes-Benz, BMW has recently introduced the groundbreaking “Vision Neue Klasse X” electric car concept. This innovative concept car not only represents the brand’s commitment to sustainable mobility but also showcases its vision for the future of electric vehicles.

The new BMW Neue Klasse X concept will go into production next year at the company’s Debrecen plant in Hungary. The upcoming iX3 electric SUV is likely to be the first BMW EV underpinning the new concept. 

The automaker's latest design evolution was initially previewed with the "i Vision Dee'' concept in January 2023 and later in the form of the "Vision Neue Klasse" concept sedan in September 2023. While the Neue Klasse X concept gets familiar elements, it has completely new detailing.

 “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 sport sedan, with all its derivatives, to modern SAV family,” says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW. 

“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.”

BMW Vision Neue Klasse X Exterior 

The key exterior highlights of the Neue Klasse X concept are - 

• The concept showcases a redesigned kidney grille with two tall, thin elements inspired by classic 1960s Neue Klasse models
• The grille is flanked by LEDs on either side, featuring a three-dimensional look and unique light signature
• Notable, the future SUVs of the brand will adopt variations of this grille design, while sedans will feature a flatter, wider grille style reminiscent of last year's concept

• The concept includes the BMW roundel laser-etched on the bonnet, but this element is unlikely to be retained in the final production version
• The C-pillar of the car dons the brand’s signature Hoffmeister kink, reminiscent of classic BMW models 
• Also, part of the kit are newly-designed L-shaped tail-lights, a rear spoiler, and 3D-printed parts

BMW Vision Neue Klasse X Interior

The key interior highlights of the Neue Klasse X concept are - 

• The interior takes a leap forward with a minimalist design featuring a large touchscreen similar to the Tesla models
• However, unlike Tesla, it features a proper instrument cluster, the BMW Panoramic Vision, which offers full customization via a touchscreen with real-time updates

• The steering has a new wheel design with vertical spokes, which is unlikely to be available in the production version
• The concept car also features the Personal Sound Experience feature for customizable car sounds and a new three-dimensional head-up display 
• The visually appealing and comfortable rear seats feature a mix of bright colours and recycled materials

BMW Vision Neue Klasse X Powertrain

The Neue Klasse X SUV is equipped with the latest sixth-generation BMW eDrive system, incorporating 800V electrical architecture that improves charging speed by 30%, which offers a range of 300 km in just 10 minutes of charging. The automaker confirms that the eDrive system comprises new electric motors and new round lithium-ion battery cells.

“Neue Klasse means BMW driving at an even higher level,” explains Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW responsible for Development. “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.”

Summing up 

The Vision Neue Klasse X concept signifies BMW's continued innovation and commitment to advancing electric vehicle technology, aiming to offer customers sustainable mobility solutions in the future.

Also read: Upgraded 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport in Malaysia: Faster 22 kW charging speed, new colours, still 340hp/430Nm, 582km range