Summary
- BMW has begun pre-production of the Neue Klasse electric SUV in Hungary, with full-scale production starting in late 2025.
- The Neue Klasse line will debut with an iX3 replacement, aiming to lead BMW into a new era of electrified vehicles.
- The new modular platform Neue Klasse will eventually replace the CLAR architecture currently used in BMW vehicles.
- BMW is investing in expanding production facilities in Hungary and Mexico to manufacture Neue Klasse models.
- The transition to Neue Klasse will not be abrupt, as new generations of BMW vehicles will still be built on the CLAR architecture.
Article
BMW Begins Pre-Production of Neue Klasse Electric SUV in Hungary
BMW has started pre-production of its Neue Klasse electric SUV in Hungary, with full-scale production set to commence in late 2025. The model, which will replace the iX3, will be built in more than one factory around the world as the German automaker prepares to enter a new age of increasingly electrified vehicles. The Neue Klasse line is a nod to BMW’s history, as the original series of models launched in 1962 defined the brand and shaped its image into what we know today. The debut of the new Neue Klasse line is seen as pivotal for the company.
Investing in Manufacturing Plants for Neue Klasse Vehicles
BMW is upgrading and building factories around the world to produce its Neue Klasse vehicles, with one of the new plants located in Debrecen, Hungary. The brand-new plant has already started building pre-production test vehicles and is gearing up to start production of customer vehicles later next year. The production body of the electric SUV codenamed NA5 was recently revealed via leaked patent drawings, showing a vehicle that closely resembles the Vision Neue Klasse X but with a toned-down, less aggressive look.
Transitioning to Neue Klasse Platform
Neue Klasse is BMW’s new modular platform that will gradually phase out the current CLAR architecture used in the manufacturer’s models from the 2 Series to the X7. While CLAR-based BMWs will continue to be produced until around the end of the decade, Neue Klasse is set to be used across the lineup. While it is unclear if Neue Klasse is an EV-only platform, BMW has experience in building range-extender EVs and may consider incorporating this feature given its rising popularity in the market.
Challenges and Future Plans for EV Sales
BMW previously aimed to achieve 50% EV sales well before the 2030 deadline but is now facing challenges as EV sales have not met expectations in most markets outside of China. The automaker is also investing $800 million to expand its plant in Mexico, which currently produces the CLAR-based 3 Series. The Mexican factory is set to begin producing the iX3-replacing electric SUV around 2027, following the production line in Hungary. Both factories are expected to produce additional Neue Klasse models in the coming years.
Coexistence of CLAR and Neue Klasse Models
New generations of BMW models will continue to be built on the CLAR architecture alongside the transition to Neue Klasse, with spy photos of the next-generation combustion engine 3 Series codenamed G50 already in circulation. This next-gen 3 Series is expected to debut around 2027 and will ride on an updated version of the current platform. It will coexist with the pure-electric i3 that was previewed by the Vision Neue Klasse concept, showcasing BMW’s commitment to offering a mix of combustion engine and electric vehicles to meet customer demand.
Future of BMW and Neue Klasse Line
BMW’s foray into the Neue Klasse line of electric vehicles marks a significant shift in its manufacturing and product strategy as the company prepares for an electrified future. With investments in new manufacturing plants and the development of a modular platform, BMW is positioning itself to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles while still catering to customers who prefer traditional combustion engine models. The release of the iX3 replacement and future Neue Klasse models will cement BMW’s place in the electric vehicle market and solidify its legacy as a pioneering and innovative automotive brand.
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