BMW has confirmed unique designs for future Neue Klasse sedans and SUVs
By ForGeeks At the world premiere of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X in Lisbon this February, Kai Langer, head of design at BMW i, revealed that the Neue Klasse concept cars represent a distinct design language. The Vision Neue Klasse sedan will influence the design of future BMW sedans, while the Vision X crossover will — influence the design of upcoming SUVs.
The Vision Neue Klasse concept car will influence the design of future BMW sedans.
Two different grille styles
Last week, BMW of North America revealed the Vision Neue Klasse X at the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles. Julia de Bono, head of BMW Designworks LA, confirmed that the different grilles on the two concept cars serve to differentiate their design goals. As you may recall, the Vision Neue Klasse sedan features a horizontal and digital grille that widens the front of the car. The Vision Neue Klasse X crossover, by contrast, pays homage to the original Neue Klasse models with a smaller, vertical grille.
At the time, Langer also told us about the decision to change the front fascia, opting for a vertical kidney orientation for the Concept X, whereas the previous concept had a horizontal grille layout. This decision was made not only to visually separate the two cars, but also because the SUV has a taller front end for which a vertical grille is more suitable. The BMW i Design boss explained that the typical SUV buyer wants a car with a more prominent front end.
The BMW i Design boss explained that the typical SUV buyer wants a car with a more prominent front end.
In addition, some design elements of Neue Klasse cars will eventually influence internal combustion engine vehicles. However, some styling traits will remain unique to NCAR-based models because of their dedicated electric platform. This customized EV architecture generally allows designers a great deal of creative freedom. The absence of a transmission tunnel simplifies the design process, so specialized EVs often feature a longer wheelbase, shorter overhangs and a flat floor.
BMW iX3 (NA5) based on the Neue Klasse will enter series production in mid-2025 at a new plant in Debrecen, Hungary. It will be joined by a sedan a year later. Production of the Neue Klasse is also expected to start in Mexico at the San Luis Potosi plant from the second half of 2026.
The Neue Klasse will also be produced in Mexico at the San Luis Potosi plant from the second half of 2026.
