Greater than merely a brand new idea, the Neue Klasse served as a preview of a brand new course for the complete BMW model. We have not seen the manufacturing model of it but, however the firm will quickly illustrate the way it can apply this philosophy to an SUV with a second design examine.
BMW’s preview picture exhibits little greater than the Neue Klasse X’s shadow, however at the least one fascinating element stands out. It seems like the general proportions are much less daring than the Neue Klasse sedan’s, although we’ll reserve our remaining judgment till we see the idea within the steel. We’re guessing that the flat surfaces that characterised the sedan have been transferred to the SUV, and we’re anticipating an identical front-end remedy with lights built-in right into a pair of kidney grilles. BMW’s intention is to forge a purer and less complicated design language for its vehicles.
The cabin ought to function the identical fundamental know-how options because the Neue Klasse sedan’s. BMW consigned the iDrive controller to the pantheon of automotive historical past. As a substitute, the infotainment system is displayed on a large touchscreen known as Panoramic Imaginative and prescient. There is a head-up show, too, and the entrance passengers can use smartphone-like swiping motions to ship widgets between the 2 shows.
It isn’t absurd to invest that the Neue Klasse X rides on the identical platform because the Neue Klasse — the structure is modular, in any case. If that is the case, the SUV is electrical and its drivetrain is constructed round an 800-volt structure for sooner charging occasions. BMW has beforehand defined that Neue Klasse-based vehicles ought to supply extra driving vary, particularly in chilly temperatures, than its present crop of electrical vehicles because of battery enhancements. Driving dynamics ought to play an enormous function within the structure of the X’s character.
BMW will unveil the Neue Klasse X idea this Thursday, March 21. Plans to deliver the mannequin to manufacturing have not been introduced, however in 2023 we noticed a heavily-camouflaged prototype testing on public roads in Germany whose silhouette seems suspiciously just like the idea’s. All that is sure at this stage is that the primary vehicles constructed on the Neue Klasse platform are scheduled to roll off the meeting line in 2025.