BMW's Next-generation Electric SUV Previewed as Vision Neue Klasse X

The first BMW Neue Klasse vehicle will not be a car. As previewed by the new BMW Vision Neue Klasse X, BMW will bring a battery-electric SUV to market signaling the start of an evolutionary new chapter in the design and technology of the automaker's vehicles.

"Together with the BMW Vision Neuw 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 it's derivatives, to modern SAV [sport activity vehicle] family," Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG said.

"In this way, we are underlining that the Neue Klasse is much more than just a car or specific concept; it is redefining the BMW brand – and, at the same time, will be more BMW than ever," he said.

The Vision Neue Klasse X, previewed by Newsweek on the shores of Portugal last month, features sleek exterior lines, a fresh take on the hallmark kidney grille and a spacious cabin accented by technology. At it's heart is an electric drive system that is designed to improve responsiveness and drive dynamics.

Its face is a blend of aerodynamic optimization and next-generation lighting effects, replacing much of the area where a traditional grille would be with a shield that delivers intricate lighting details to welcome the key fob holder and illuminate the road ahead.

Large side panels give way to a pert backend that is highlighted by strong design melding airflow stabilization with subtle lines you won't find in the existing BMW lineup, but look familiar.

Connecting the two-box design is the brand's signature Hofmeister kink, but not through chrome or window edging. Instead, it appears on the vehicle as a reflective print that is either transparent or reflective, depending on the viewing angle.

The beating heart of the Neue Klasse is the electric drive unit, dubbed the "Heart of Joy." The software stack was developed in-house by BMW Group, BMW's parent company. It features "sub-brains" that are meant to push driving dynamics in a new, yet distinctly BMW driving direction.

Today, a car's computing happens in various areas of the vehicle that have to combine together during operation. Like Mercedes-Benz is executing as it brings the sedan based on its Concept CLA Class into production, the Neue Klasse puts all that computing power into one area.

"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," Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development, said in a press release.

Sixth-generation eDrive technology powers the concept. Its volumetric energy density is more than 20 percent higher than battery cells previously used. Combined with 800-volt architecture, similar technology to what is in the new Audi Q6 E-tron, Porsche Macan EV, and Kia EV9, Neue Klasse X vehciles will be able to regain 300 kilometers (186 miles) of all-electric range in 10 minutes of charging under ideal conditions.

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Additionally, eDrive allows for up to 30 percent more range. That range is also helped by fresh tire and braking system designs that allow for a 25-percent more efficient vehicle.

Vision Neue Klasse X takes advantage of the battery-electric vehicle's long wheelbase and lack of transmission tunnel to deliver a large interior inside a model the size of the current X3 compact SUV.

The seating position is elevated in the concept SUV, putting the driver behind a reimagined steering wheel that includes a series of buttons. A large central touchscreen pairs with BMW Panoramic Vision, which projects key information in widescreen format on the windscreen, in the model to deliver new age human-car interaction. The SUV also gets a head-up display.

Colors, textures and materials take the stage in the cabin alongside technology. Color customization via lighting to deliver unique options for an owner.
Immersive personalization continues as a driver enables use of the HypersonX Wheel, a technology that allows a chosen sound to be created and played in real time at the tap of a button.

"The Vision Neue Klasse X Concept is a promising look at BMW's future EV efforts. Its styling is clean and contemporary, cohesively blending a revolutionary design vision with elements from BMW's iconic heritage. It's a refreshing look for BMW that does away with the brand's confused and polarizing designs in the current portfolio," Paul Waatti, director of industry insights at AutoPacific told Newsweek.

"The concept's technologies suggest that BMW intends to be at the forefront of innovation, particularly in user interface and connected experience. The Neue Klasse platform moves to an 800-volt architecture, which, combined with next-generation battery and e-motor advancements, will enable significantly more range and faster charging times — addressing some of the biggest concerns with EVs for consumers," he said.

Like MINI's latest Cooper and Countryman electric vehicles, Vision Neue Klasse X was designed with complete lifecycle sustainability in mind, an extension of the i Vision Circular concept that was presented in 2021.

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Its cabin wears a plant-based, mineral-based and petroleum-free surface material called "Verdana". Recycled plastics, pulled from the ocean, are utilized in injection moulded parts, 30 percent of the secondary components of the vehicle. The design allows for easier construction and disassembly, and improved recyclability.

A production-ready version of the first Neue Klasse vehicle is expected to be revealed soon, and go into production shortly after.