BMW has officially unveiled its Neue Klasse platform, describing it as the largest investment in the company’s history and a decisive move into a fully electric future. Unlike earlier flexible platforms, Neue Klasse is a clean-sheet EV architecture designed without compromises for internal combustion engines.
At the global reveal of the new BMW iX3, Dr. Mike Reichelt, Senior Vice President of Neue Klasse at BMW, explained that the decision to reinvent the brand’s core lineup came during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In 2020, in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, it was clear we needed this big jump,” Dr. Reichelt said. “The step forward was so significant that it wasn’t possible to stay with the current portfolio.”
According to Car.news, the Neue Klasse initiative will underpin 40 new or updated BMW models by 2027, beginning with the iX3 and an electric 3 Series (i3) set to arrive next year.
A Quantum Leap in EV Technology
Dr. Reichelt emphasized that Neue Klasse is the most important leap in BMW’s history, both technologically and strategically.
“This is the biggest investment BMW has ever made. But it was time to say, ‘Now is the moment.’”
Key priorities for the new platform include extended range and faster charging — the main concerns identified in BMW’s customer studies. The results are impressive: the Neue Klasse models will deliver over 800 kilometers of range, along with bi-directional charging capability to power homes or feed electricity back into the grid.
According to Car.news, this bold move positions BMW as a direct rival not only to established EV makers but also to premium combustion-engine models, thanks to its ability to keep prices competitive.
Simplicity Meets Efficiency
Despite the technological leap, BMW designed Neue Klasse with simplicity and cost efficiency in mind.
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600 meters less wiring compared to previous designs.
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Normal steel body construction, avoiding overly exotic materials.
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Streamlined architecture for reduced complexity and easier production.
This simplicity also translated into lower battery costs, thanks to BMW’s adoption of Gen Six cell technology.
Challenges on the Road to Launch
Dr. Reichelt admitted that creating such a comprehensive EV platform was not without obstacles.
“When you make a quantum leap and you’re on the edge of technology, sometimes things go wrong. But the most important thing is to identify problems early and solve them. We tested millions of kilometers worldwide.”
Now, BMW says it is fully prepared for mass rollout.
A Historic Turning Point
For BMW, Neue Klasse is more than just a new platform. It’s a turning point comparable to the company’s original Neue Klasse cars of the 1960s, which transformed the brand into a global luxury leader.
According to Car.news, BMW sees this new era as a direct continuation of that heritage, combining its legacy of durability and quality with a bold vision for the electric age.
