BMW Vision Neue Klasse: A Pioneering Concept Ushering BMW into a New Era

Manufactured at the entirely fossil fuel-free plant in Debrecen, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse promises not only a leap in technological advancement but also a focus on resource-efficient individual mobility. Featuring the sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, the Neue Klasse models are set to achieve 30% more range, 30% faster charging, and overall vehicle efficiency gains of up to 25%. New round battery cells promise a 20% higher energy density compared to previous prismatic cells. These measures are part of BMW’s strategy to lower CO2 emissions and consumption of raw materials.

BMW AG’s Chairman of the Board of Management, Oliver Zipse, outlined the pillars of the design concept as electrification, digitalisation, and circularity. He emphasized that the Neue Klasse is not merely an incremental improvement but a vision for BMW’s mobility in the next decade, set to hit the roads by 2025. This revolutionary vehicle will make its public debut at the IAA Mobility 2023 International Motor Show in Munich.

On the exterior, the Vision Neue Klasse introduces a fresh interpretation of BMW’s signature design elements, such as the kidney grille and double headlights. These elements are woven into a single interactive area, aided by 3D-printed rear lights and aerodynamic 21-inch wheels inspired by motorsports. A lighting effect with precise three-dimensional animation welcomes the driver as they approach the vehicle, signaling intuitive interaction between human and machine.

In the interior, the next-generation BMW iDrive system forms the interface between the real and virtual worlds. This includes the BMW Panoramic Vision, which projects information across the entire width of the windscreen, and the Central Display controlled by multifunction buttons on the steering wheel. Voice control and gesture-based interactions make the experience seamlessly intuitive. This rich user experience can be further customized through “My Modes,” allowing the driver to tailor displays based on their driving situation and individual needs.

Design-wise, the Neue Klasse embodies a new aesthetic language with fewer lines and more expansive surfaces. The interior design is entirely free of decorative chrome or leather, part of BMW’s efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of its production process. Front seats attached to the floor by a single bracket open up additional legroom, while the use of bright cord fabrics adds a comfortable atmosphere inside the vehicle.

“With the Neue Klasse, we have embarked on the biggest investment in the company’s history. We are not just writing the next chapter of BMW; we’re writing a whole new book,” said Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development. He highlighted that the design is so progressive it appears to skip an entire model generation, echoing Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design.

With its focus on innovation in areas like electric drive trains, user interface, and material sustainability, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse sets a formidable standard for future automotive design and technology. It aims to encapsulate the entire range of technological advancements, signaling a new era of emission-free, digitally-rich, and resource-efficient mobility, thereby retaining BMW’s signature driving pleasure for future generations.