BMW will change course in 2025 with the introduction of the Neue Klasse (literally meaning “new class”) series of vehicles, which will be mostly electric and represent a big design departure. The Vision Neue Klasse concept is our best look at what BMWs built after the middle of the decade will look like, and it’s closer to the production version than you might think.
That’s right, the boldly designed sedan you see here is essentially a thinly veiled version of the all-new 3 Series that will be launched in 2025. Some details will change for the series model, especially inside the vehicle, but this study tells us a lot not only about the future production model but also about all BMWs to come after it.
This chiseled concept doesn’t just preview the 3 Series sedan, as that’s just one of the six Neue Klasse models to be launched from 2025 until 2027. BMW has not stated what they are, but we can speculate that they will be sedans, crossovers, SUVs, and probably even wagons.
Let’s look at the three big revelations of the Vision Neue Klasse concept.
1. BMW Design Will Radically Change… Again
The most obvious Neue Klasse concept revelation is that it gives a great look at BMW’s future design language. This study is an evolution of 2022’s Dee concept (which BMW used to show offe-ink color-changing technology) and a direct preview of an all-new 3 Series electric sedan. However, its design language will be used throughout the BMW lineup; all six models built on the Neue Klasse platform will have variations of this style.
Browsing reader comments on articles about the Neue Klasse concept, it looks like it has been well-received, despite its quite radical and futuristic look. It is a lot less polarizing than most other new BMWs, likethe 5 Series and i5, and it hopefully foretells the arrival of several good-looking cars from a manufacturer whose recent designs have come under fire for being weird or even downright ugly.
2. Neue Klasse Models Will Share a Bespoke EV Platform
Neue Klasse mainly refers to the common platform that will underpin a new line of electric models from BMW. Information on the platform is limited, but BMW has said it will be an EV-centric architecture that will mostly be offered with fully electric power. There will also be some hydrogen fuel cell variants, but they will be nowhere near as common as BEVs.
The platform will support single- and dual-motor configurations, as well as three or even four motors for M performance models. Power outputs are expected to exceed 1,000 kW (1,340 horsepower) in the most potent models, which should mean they will have more than enough power to become EVs that a driving enthusiast can enjoy.
3. Neue Klasse Interiors Will Be Minimalist With a New iDrive
While the Vision Neue Klasse concept’s exterior was given the thumbs up by most who have seen it, it seems the study’s interior was more harshly judged. It looks nothing like the BMW interiors that you may have grown accustomed to and appears to only have the physical controls that are strictly necessary—everything else has been moved to a menu in the infotainment.
The central screen, which will run a completely new version of the iDrive operating system, doesn’t seem to be angled toward the driver, as has been tradition for decades. BMW has instead skewed the base of the screen to give a similar effect without angling the screen away from the front passenger, who should also be able to easily use the screen.
Neue Klasse BMW interiors will not only have fewer buttons and shapes, but they will also be more spacious than before. In transitioning to a bespoke electric vehicle architecture, BMW can increase the size of the passenger compartment in relation to the vehicle’s wheelbase and overall length.
This is what Volkswagen has done with its models based on the MEB platform, which have the interior room of a vehicle in the size class above (i.e., the Golf-sized ID.3 has similar levels of interior room to the larger Passat). The same will be true for the upcoming electric 3 Series, which should be about as roomy inside as a 5 Series.
4. Sixth-Generation eDrive
eDrive is what BMW calls its powertrain and battery technology, which will reach its sixth generation with the introduction of Neue Klasse models. The Bavarian automaker has made bold claims about the improvements that this brings over the previous generation of eDrive.
BMW says charging speed will be improved by 30 percent, as will vehicles’ range, thanks to the use of more energy-dense batteries and electric motors that are 25 percent more efficient. This means that the pure-electric 3 Series (which may be called the i3) will have an EPA range of close to 400 miles, making ita long-range EV.
The Neue Klasse Concept Previews Positive Changes at BMW
It looks like BMW has finally listened to the countless voices criticizing many design decisions made after 2010. The Vision Neue Klasse concept seems to be a step in the right direction, which it needs to be since its launch will also coincide with BMW accelerating the shift to only building electric cars; it plans to only manufacture EVs after the year 2030.
This concept previews a striking electric 3 Series that may be one of those EVs that appear to be plucked straight out of a science fiction movie.
