BMW's Upcoming Plans to be Revealed in the Coming Days
The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, and BMW is at the forefront of this change with its Neue Klasse initiative. This ambitious project, BMW's largest investment ever, according to Frank Weber, Head of Development, is shaping the future of BMW and the automotive industry as a whole.
The Neue Klasse architecture includes the upcoming iX3 and is paving BMW's road forward. The iX3 reveal on September 5 will show us exactly where all new BMWs are heading.
The Neue Klasse is built around electrification and other EV disciplines, a shift that, while not cheap or easy, is essential for BMW's goal of full net-zero emissions by 2050. Employees have been retrained and familiarized with these new technologies to ensure the smoothest possible transition.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Neue Klasse is the technology it brings to the table. The Gen6 batteries, for instance, reduce emissions per watt-hour by 42% compared to Gen5 batteries. Some components in Neue Klasse vehicles are also made partially from recycled materials, such as the under-hood storage compartment, which is 30% recycled maritime plastics.
The Neue Klasse is not just about electrification, though. It's about digitalization, too. Panoramic Vision and voice commands will change how we interact with every new BMW over the coming years, bringing digitalization to a new level, unlike since iDrive was originally introduced over two decades ago.
The Neue Klasse will underpin and shape more than 40 new models within two years. Some of these new models, like the i1 and i2, will be in segments BMW hasn't entered before. The Neue Klasse cars are also bringing digitalization to a new level, with hydrogen as one of the powertrains, in addition to electrified, PHEV, and internal combustion offerings.
The Neue Klasse era will require an adjustment period for BMW performance, given the significant power increases compared to previous models. The electric M3, currently being tested, is expected to feature an electric powertrain offering nearly 700 horsepower. Meanwhile, the VDX concept car, showcased in Shanghai, touted an unspecified "over 1,300" horsepower and 13,000 pound-feet of torque, offering a glimpse into the future of BMW performance.
The Neue Klasse vehicles are aligned with BMW's commitment to sustainable vehicle manufacturing and eventually recycling. Working with a supply chain of over 2,700 Tier 1 suppliers has already cut approximately 35% of CO2e from the production process. The supplier involved in the Neue Klasse supply chain, while not explicitly named, has helped reduce about 35% CO2e in the production process of the BMW iX3 by using secondary raw materials and circular economy principles.
New plants like Debrecen have become cornerstones due to the Neue Klasse. Sites responsible for iconic gas-powered vehicles have been outfitted to exclusively produce EVs, such as Munich. The Neue Klasse cockpit is almost certainly going to require a slight reconfiguring of our brain and how we interact with and drive new BMWs.
In conclusion, the Neue Klasse is a significant step forward for BMW and the automotive industry as a whole. It represents a commitment to sustainability, electrification, and digitalization, and it's clear that BMW is leading the charge towards a net-zero emissions future. The iX3 reveal on September 5 will be a pivotal moment, giving us a glimpse into the future of BMW and the automotive industry.
