BMW's 1960s Neue Klasse saved the company, and Car and Driver's David E. Davis Jr. named the 2002 "One of modern civilization's all-time best ways to get somewhere sitting down." The brand is stronger now, but this electric future vision marks the start of a similar transformation for the corporation, therefore the Neue Klasse name revival.
The electric Neue Neue Klasse concept automobile features futuristic technology in a retro-modern design. We expect the Vision Neue Klasse concept to preview a future 3-series sedan, the next generation of which is expected to appear in 2025 as a 2026 model, and a new BMW brand design language.
The Neue Klasse concept's front end is most notable for its forward-slanted nose and exaggerated kidney-shaped false grilles, which pay homage to the 2002. The concept car's digital grille and lighting pulse like the automobile is living, making it different from the 1960s classic.
The small car's greenhouse looks larger due to narrow roof pillars and huge windows, and its plain design lacks character. The flat design has a single crease low on the doors to link the front and back wheels.
A narrow strip of e-Ink display, like on an eReader tablet, runs across the bottom of the two side panes. It illuminates as you approach the car and is a touch-sensitive door handle. The car's taillamps include dazzling red LEDs beneath cascading 3-D-printed pieces that add depth.
A pair of rear-facing cameras on slender stalks replace outside mirrors, and 21-inch wheels were built for maximum aerodynamics without seeming aerodynamic. We expect this feature to be removed from production.
Entering Neue Klasse shows a futuristic, computerized design. BMW's next-generation iDrive interface illuminates a massive black panel at the windshield base. Panoramic Vision, the black panel, projects the infotainment system and looks sleek.
The driver's right hand can reach the trapezoidal center display, but essential information can be relocated to the panoramic screen for mobile viewing. Neue Klasse includes a head-up display as well. This mechanism seems exclusive to the concept car, but BMW insists it will be in the final version.
BMW's yellow corduroy upholstery warms the white interior, and four midcentury-modern bucket seats provide historical flair. A floating center console divides the interior, and the multi-function steering wheel has a square shape with a flat bottom, top, and sides.
BMW's next-generation 800-volt EV platform, featuring a 20% higher energy density battery architecture, debuts in the Neue Klasse. BMW claims that improved aerodynamics, electric motor efficiency, and thermal management can extend range by 30% over its current EV drivetrain.
BMW may divide production quantities with its US facility to take advantage of federal EV incentives. It will be mostly produced in Hungary. Another battery facility is planned for South Carolina. The company also says its production facilities won't utilize fossil fuels but will employ more recyclable materials.
We are curious to see if the restored Neue Klasse will become the finest method to move around sitting down.
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