With its daring Neue Klasse platform, BMW is leading the way in the transition to electric cars. In fact, this is not just a typical update to the range of the brand, but BMW is detaching itself from its historical identity and creating a new one for the electric era. This could be likened to the company rebranding itself, and the ripple effect that will change not only the company but the whole industry.
A Historic Name for a New Chapter
The name Neue Klasse is no publicity stunt. It consciously resonates with BMW’s historic “New Class” sedans from the 1960s—the very vehicles that saved the company from bankruptcy and created its reputation for performance-oriented, driver-centric cars. Now, several decades down the line, BMW is employing the same attitude of rebirth to signal its transition to electrification. Chairman Oliver Zipse has referred to the project as “highly symbolic,” one in which the goal is to combine sustainability, innovation, and performance into a package that represents the next generation of mobility.
A platform designed purely for EVs
Unlike BMW’s previous strategies, which balanced combustion, hybrid, and electric powertrains on the same architecture, Neue Klasse is a clean-slate EV platform. Every part of it—from the chassis to the wiring—was designed around electric propulsion, without the compromises of older multi-purpose designs. That translates to lighter vehicles, more cabin space, and the flexibility to handle the battery and software advancements of the coming decade.
Battery and Charging Breakthroughs
It’s all powered by BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology. The automaker is shifting away from prismatic and toward cylindrical battery cells—like the transition from building with stacked books to packaging in bunches of cans. They pack 20% more power, cut costs by half, and are built on a more streamlined “cell-to-pack” architecture that sheds weight and improves efficiency.
Throw in an 800V system, and Neue Klasse cars can charge at up to 400 kW—plenty to give them more than 300 km (186 miles) of range in 10 minutes. A new “Energy Master” control unit maximizes battery health and charging efficiency, with high-silicon carbide semiconductors assisting in better power management.
Design: Drawn from Classics, Focused on Tomorrow
BMW designers went back to the brand’s heritage books, drawing inspiration from icons such as the E21 and E30 in order to come up with something that is modern-looking but unmistakably BMW. There are short overhangs, a lower beltline, and smooth surfaces replacing chrome-plated styling with a cleaner, more functional look.
Inside, the driver is still the center of attention. A fresh Panoramic Vision display casts data across the entire windshield, aided by an angled trapezoidal screen and available 3D augmented reality heads-up display. The goal: keep your eyes on the road while experiencing state-of-the-art digital interaction.
A Revolution in How Cars Are Built
New Class isn’t so much about the car—it’s about the manufacturer. BMW’s new plant in Debrecen, Hungary, is the first EV-only factory, and Munich will follow suit by becoming all-electric by 2027.
By minimizing parts, rationalizing components, and reimagining assembly processes, BMW hopes to cut manufacturing costs dramatically. Alongside this, five new global battery factories—in Germany, Hungary, China, Mexico, and the U.S.—will lock in supply chains and benefit local communities. Sustainability is at the heart, with reduced wiring harness weight, recycled materials, and a drive for decreased CO2 emissions throughout the supply chain.
The First Neue Klasse Models
At the forefront of the attack is the iX3 SUV, closely trailed by the i3 sedan, which will directly take on Tesla’s Model 3. Both cars will be powered by the Gen6 battery technology, promising up to 500-mile (805 km) ranges and scorching charging times.
The i3 sedan will also be offered in performance trims, such as an i3 M60 xDrive with up to 630 horsepower. With cylindrical batteries, these models are said to offer 25% greater range, 20% increased energy density, and better efficiency over their predecessors.
Neue Klasse vehicles will charge both CCS and Tesla’s NACS standards, allowing for access to a huge charging network, including Tesla’s Superchargers.
Goading the Competition and Beyond
BMW has no doubt where it’s going—the i3 sedan is squarely aimed at Tesla’s turf, with prices beginning at about $50,000 and the possibility of eligibility for U.S. tax credits. Tesla still has a lead in autonomous capabilities and software ecosystems, but BMW is gaining ground rapidly with its over-the-air updates and sophisticated driver-assistance technology.
Most importantly, the Neue Klasse platform is versatile enough to support a vast array of vehicles—everything from subcompact models to performance M cars and even upscale Rolls-Royce and Mini EVs. That flexibility might be BMW’s greatest asset in the changing EV landscape.
The Road Ahead
BMW isn’t waiting—by 2027, it expects to launch over 40 new or updated models across sedans, SUVs, and performance vehicles, all under the Neue Klasse platform. Its Munich factory will go all-in on EVs, while its worldwide battery plan provides cushioning against supply chain turbulence.
In so many respects, Neue Klasse is not only BMW’s future—it’s a gamble on the future of driving itself. Just as the “New Class” vehicles did in saving the brand and redefining its culture, this new model could very well be what defines the next generation of mobility. For car enthusiasts, engineers, and observers of the EV race, BMW’s Neue Klasse is the revolution to observe.
