BMW unveils Neue Klasse X - its uber-smart, environmentally-friendly vision of the future

21 March 2024

As expеcted today BMW showcased its Neue Klasse X - previewing the future Sports Activity Vehicle to succeed the iX3.

BMW says the Neue Klasse has four main points - electric, digital, circular, and the driving pleasure people attribute to BMW cars.

The design is a big part of the Neue Klasse X as expected from a concept meant to pioneer a new platform. It has an increased ground clearance, a spacious interior, a long wheelbase, and short overhangs. The interior is airy and spacious with large windows and a panoramic glass roof.

Upfront, there are vertically aligned LED units flanking the classic BMW kidney grilles. The rear lights are horizontal and reach into the center, providing the familiar BMW L shape.

Flush glass surfaces and the "Coral Silver" paintwork complete the Neue Klasse X vision.

The interior is adorned in a completely plant-based, mineral-based, and petroleum-free surface material BMW calls "Verdana". It's used in the lower portion of the door paneling and in the center console.

BMW used maritime plastics for the injection molded parts for the first time. This material is obtained from discarded fishing nets, accounting for 30% of the interior.

The side skirts and front and rear apron attachments are also made from recycled materials.

The Neue Klasse X has a redesigned multifunction steering wheel, a central display with touch control, and BMW Panoramic Vision with BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. There's also a 3D Head-Up display.

The central display is integrated into the instrument panel, giving access to all infotainment features to both front passengers.

Let's talk driving. The Neue Klasse X employs BMW's sixth-gen eDrive technology. The battery uses new round lithium-ion cells with a volumetric energy density that's 20% higher than that of the previously used prismatic cells.

BMW has gone with an 800-volt architecture for a 30% improved charging speed, giving you 186 miles of range within ten minutes of charge.

BMW touts new super-brains that will take over the handling and dynamics of the car. They're high-performance computers to process the entire powertrain and driving dynamics with up to ten times more computing power than before. BMW says these super-brains are a quantum leap in automated driving possibilities.

The Neue Klasse X reduces drag by 20% when compared to a similar model in the class. Finally, new tire designs and a special brake system for EVs increase the overall efficiency by up to 25%.

The Neue Klasse X is expected to be the blueprint for the future iX3 models. BMW says that car will go into production at its Plant Debrecen in Hungary in 2025.