Summary
- BMW is starting pre-production of the Neue Klasse electric SUV in Hungary, with full-scale production set to begin in 2025
- The Neue Klasse line is a pivotal move into an age of electrified vehicles for BMW, with facilities being set up globally to produce these vehicles
- Leaked patent drawings have revealed the production body of the electric SUV, which resembles the Vision Neue Klasse X model
- The Neue Klasse platform will eventually phase out the CLAR architecture currently used by BMW, potentially allowing for range-extender EVs
- BMW is investing in expanding its manufacturing capabilities, with an $800 million investment in Mexico to produce the electric SUV in 2027, with additional Neue Klasse models to follow in both factories
Article
BMW Begins Pre-Production of Neue Klasse Electric SUV in Hungary
BMW is stepping into a new era of electrified vehicles with the launch of its Neue Klasse electric SUV to replace the iX3. Full-scale production is set to begin in late 2025, with pre-production already underway at various factories around the world. The Neue Klasse line marks a significant shift for the automaker, harkening back to the groundbreaking models that defined BMW’s image in the past.
Neue Klasse: A Revival of BMW’s Legacy
The decision to resurrect the Neue Klasse moniker is not arbitrary, as it pays homage to the series of innovative models that put BMW on the map in the 1960s. The upcoming iX3 replacement is just the beginning of a new lineup that will shape the future of the company. With factories being upgraded and new plants being built, BMW is gearing up for a major shift towards electrification.
Unveiling the Neue Klasse Electric SUV
Leaked patent drawings of the electric SUV codenamed NA5 give us a glimpse of what to expect from the Neue Klasse platform. The production body closely resembles the Vision Neue Klasse X concept, albeit in a more toned-down and refined form. The design signals a departure from BMW’s current offerings, setting the stage for a new generation of electric vehicles from the brand.
Neue Klasse: A Modular Platform for the Future
The Neue Klasse platform will gradually replace the existing CLAR architecture across BMW’s lineup. While the focus is on electric vehicles, there is potential for range-extender EVs and other forms of electrification on the new platform. BMW’s investment in expanding manufacturing plants in Hungary and Mexico underscores its commitment to the electrified future of automotive industry.
Challenges and Opportunities for BMW
Despite ambitious goals to achieve 50% EV sales by 2030, BMW is facing challenges in the global market where electrification uptake has been slower than anticipated. However, the investment in Neue Klasse models and infrastructure upgrades reflects the brand’s determination to stay ahead of the curve. The transition to the new platform will be gradual, with both electric and combustion engine models coexisting for the foreseeable future.
Looking Ahead: The Next Generation of BMW
As BMW prepares to launch the Neue Klasse electric SUV and other models, it is also planning the next generation of combustion engine vehicles. The upcoming G50 3 Series will ride on an updated version of the CLAR platform and be sold alongside pure-electric offerings. This dual approach underscores BMW’s commitment to offering a diverse range of vehicles to meet the evolving needs of consumers in the electrified automotive landscape.
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