BMW’s next generation of electric vehicles (EVs) is beginning to take shape.
The brand has a lot riding on its planned next-gen EVs, and has been bringing two early concept models to auto shows since late 2023.
Until now, the pair have resurrected an old name from BMW history. The brand calls the pair its Neue Klasse designs – the same name it used for the radically simple designs that gave the brand its modern identity in the 1960s.
The Neue Klasse concept sedan abandons the oversized nostril grille and busy bodywork of current BMW sedans for a simple, 1970s-inspired look outside. Inside, it adopts radical new technologies like windows that act as transparent screens and a voice assistant with a sparkly personality.
The Neue Klasse X concept SUV looks slightly more complex to avoid giving the taller body a slab-sided look. Inside, it uses a cabin-spanning display on the lowest portion of the windshield to convey most information, with a slanted control screen in the center.
Bold color choices on the concepts have included orange and yellow upholstery.
But concept cars rarely reach production looking much like they did on the auto show circuit.
Now, industry publication Automotive News reports, the concepts have started to resolve into actual production cars.
The first to appear will be an SUV called the iX3.
Up to 367 Miles, Faster Charging Than Most Chargers Can Handle
- European range tests tend to be overly optimistic, but the iX3 may out-range the Tesla Model Y
- It can accept energy faster than most fast chargers can put it out
BMW has released range figures only on Europe’s testing cycle, which tends to produce over-optimistic mileage figures. Real-world numbers and the formula used by the American EPA consistently show lower ranges than European testing.
But the tests give us a benchmark. In Euro testing, Tesla’s longest-range Model Y is certified for 622 km (about 386 miles). The U.S. EPA rates it at 337 miles.
In European testing, Automotive News says, the iX3 should earn certification for “up to 800 km (497 miles).” If the same conversion holds, that would give it about 367 miles – enough to comfortably top the Tesla in most consumers’ minds.
Electrek reports that the iX3 uses new cylindrical battery cells “20% more efficient than their predecessors.”
It could also charge faster, AN says. The iX3 is able to accept energy at up to 400 kW — faster than chargers in the U.S. can put it out.
We’ll know more as the iX3’s debut approaches. BMWBlog says the iX3 is “set to begin production in November 2025.”
