BMW unveiled the Vision Neue Klasse nearly a year ago, which is a radical new direction for the German luxury brand in terms of design and what it plans for its electric vehicles (EVs). The Vision Neue Klasse supposedly previews a future electric 3 Series (presumably called the i3), but what was missing until now is a concept that would serve as a preview of BMW’s future electric SUVs. Well, now’s the time for the world to see the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X, which–as you’d probably guess, previews BMW’s future electric X lineup of SUVs.
In this case, the Vision Neue Klasse X is a preview of what a future BMW iX3-sized electric crossover SUV is going to look like. Just like the Vision Neue Klasse, the X version carries a similar retro-futuristic theme. The Vision Neue Klasse X draws inspiration from the thin kidney grille that’s significantly smaller than what we’ve seen in cars like the iX and 7 Series/i7. The main kidney grilles only form part of the overall front end, as this is flanked by a wide decorative element which in its sides come with vertical LED daytime running lights. Expectedly, the grille illuminates, because why not, right?
The grille, thankfully, is a return to normalcy for BMW, and if this is what its future vehicles will look like, then we’re all in for it. Likewise to the sides, the Vision Neue Klasse X has a clean side profile, mostly characterized by creases and wide shoulders as opposed to giving it too many lines. Also forming a part of the overall design identity set by these Neue Klasse concepts is the low window line which also improves visibility. Lastly, the rear end comes with distinct LED taillights with a 3D-printed light pattern that echoes the shape of the wide panel flanking its front grille.
The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X, like the sedan version, rides on a new, EV-dedicated platform that won’t be shared with an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. The new platform will utilize the upcoming sixth generation of BMW’s eDrive electric motor and battery technology, which promises a 30 percent improvement in range and charging speed. It will also utilize an 800-volt architecture that supports DC fast charging speeds that is faster than the 205 kW that many BMW EVs currently accept.
As for the interior, the Neue Klasse X follows the footsteps of the sedan concept, which means that iDrive in the future will ditch the rotary knob altogether. Instead, the infotainment will mainly be controlled through the steering wheel. Also, in place of a digital driver’s display will be a new BMW Panoramic Vision, which is a windshield-projected head-up display that runs the entire width of the dash.
Whatever production model comes out as a result of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X will debut first sometime in 2025 before the sedan version. Unlike the current BMW iX3, the future iX3 will be completely different from the ICE-powered X3 due to the EV-native platform that the Neue Klasse production vehicles will utilize.
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