BMW is trying hard to create hype around the new electric platform called Neue Klasse and the models that will be built from 2025. Now the Munich-based company has presented a vision vehicle that is said to be very close to the production version of the BMW X3. Veritable surprises included.
The biggest surprise (although de facto relatively small) are the brand-typical kidneys at the front. While BMW has often been criticized in recent years for over-sizing this identifying feature, they will be surprisingly narrow on the But understandable because it creates a connection to the classic name donor. Otherwise, BMW doesn’t look back, but rather forward and describes what’s coming as BMW driving on the next level. CEO Oliver Zipse describes the Neue Klasse as a “redefining the BMW brand – and at the same time more BMW than ever before.” 800 volts and completely new drive electronics As far as the drive (which is always electric here) is concerned, that means an 800 volt system , round instead of prismatic battery cells with 20 percent higher energy density and a 30 percent increased charging speed. Specifically: 300 WLTP kilometers should be able to be recharged in ten minutes in the best case scenario. Nothing has yet been announced about the engines or chassis, but at a preview in Portugal in February those responsible emphasized that, in addition to efficiency, driving pleasure was also a priority. New, central control devices are intended to contribute to this, not only making it possible to do without 20 to 25 kilograms of cabling, but above all promising immense computing speed (up to ten times higher than before). In particular, the one developed entirely in-house for the drive and chassis control.A second “mastermind” will make “the next long leap in automated driving possible,” says Munich.Sensational operating conceptThe interior looks less like the interior of a car and more like one Lounge. This is a direction that BMW has already taken with the BMW iX, but will irritate fans of classic BMW cockpits. BMW hasn’t had round instruments for a long time (not even digital ones), and the speedometer display will also be eliminated in the future. Instead, a digital display in the lower – blackened – area runs across the entire windshield. That seems exciting and interesting. We are excited to see how this proves itself in everyday use. This feature, called “Panoramic Vision”, is supplemented by a 3D head-up display. The driver can determine the equipment in this area himself via the central display. In addition to the always fixed speedometer area, there are six spaces available that you can fill, but don’t have to. There is no extra display for the front passenger, but they have a clear view of the information on the window. Operation is carried out consistently via the touchscreen and touch elements on the steering wheel. These were not yet functional at the preview, so it remains to be seen whether – as BMW promises – they work better than the competition. From 2025, the new BMW X3 will be built in Debrecen, Hungary, as the first representative of the New Class. This will be followed by the new 3 Series BMW. But these two are just the beginning; models from a wide range of vehicle classes are planned – even a two-seater sports car is conceivable, but still a long way off. But maybe that will happen faster than you think, now that BMW is overtaking the future with seven leagues. Or something like that.In fact, the New Class represents a leap in development that may surprise many customers. This will scare off some “classic” BMW fans, but will appeal strongly to technology freaks. Such disruptive steps always involve risk – but also opportunities. And curiosity.
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