A camouflaged car has been shown in a new video at the presentation of BMW’s Vision Neue Klasse concept. It gives an indication of the new electric X3-sized SUV coming in 2026
Following the unveiling of its Vision Neue Klasse saloon concept that previews a new all-electric 3 Series-sized saloon car coming in 2025, BMW has given us a tease of the next model to be based on the firm's Neue Klasse saloon, an X3-sized SUV.
BMW boss Oliver Zipse outlined that six new models based on the Neue Klasse platform would arrive within the next 24 months, saying that “from SAVs to sedans there will be something for every customer”.
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Munich Motor Show 2023: new cars from BMW, Mercedes, MINI, Tesla and moreAn innovation that will arrive as part of the platform is a new controller that combines powertrain and driving dynamics software into one physical unit, called “the heart of joy”, according to BMW's engineers.
Shown in profile, the new SUV was wearing camouflage and will be the second machine based on the Neue Klasse platform to make its debut, with BMW's sixth-generation eDrive motors and batteries meaning a similar level of improvement in range and efficiency as outlined by BMW's development boss, Frank Weber.
Weber has said that the Neue Klasse technology will allow for “30 per cent more range, 30 per cent faster charging and 25 per cent more efficiency”. Based on the current iX3 Sport's claimed range of up to 285 miles, this could mean a potential of up to 356 miles from a full charge with the first Neue Klasse SUV. Expect a charging rate potentially as high as 270kW.
The Neue Klasse SUV will also feature BMW's Panoramic Vision full-width windscreen projection system. BMW's UI development boss, Oliver Pitrat, previously told Auto Express that the brand had nearly productionised the technology and that scaling it for different widths, curvatures and rake angles of screen – i.e. more upright for an SUV – is not a problem.
Expect the Vision Neue Klasse concept's phygital icons, such as the new interpretation of BMW's kidney grille and lighting signature, to be carried across but applied in a different way, according to BMW's head of design, Domagoj Dukec.
Following the 3 Series-sized saloon and X3-sized SUV, it is likely that a coupe, an estate, a larger SUV and potentially even high-performance M variants are in the pipeline, accounting for the six models over 24 months starting from 2025.
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Top 10 best electric SUVs to buy 2023M division head of development Dirk Hacker previously told Auto Express that his team were well under way with development of a high-performance all-electric M car, which is likely to arrive in 2027.
“When we're thinking about an M high-performance electric car, you want to see the M characteristic,” he said. “We know the feeling from the M2 and M3 CS, but also pure electric. We have also launched some ideas for that with four electric motors and a lot of functions,” he added, referencing BMW's quad-motor i4 M50 prototype.
“We are working on a central intelligence made by BMW and not made by the suppliers. We are working on electric motors, high voltage batteries and it's very important also on how we can emotionalise such a car.”
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