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Munich, Germany – November 21, 2023 – BMW has provided an early glimpse of its upcoming “Neue Klasse” platform with a preview of the all-electric iX3 scheduled for release in 2026. The preview, showcased during a PreDrive event, reveals key design elements and technological advancements expected in the next generation of BMW electric vehicles.
The Neue Klasse represents a notable strategic shift for BMW,aiming to consolidate its electric vehicle technology and streamline production.This new platform will underpin a range of future BMW models, starting with the 3 Series, and is designed to deliver significant improvements in range, charging speed, and overall efficiency compared to BMW’s current electric offerings. The iX3 preview highlights a more streamlined and modern aesthetic, moving away from the more polarizing design choices seen in some of BMW’s current EVs.
Key features previewed include a redesigned front fascia with a more prominent kidney grille, now serving as a central element for housing sensors and technology. The vehicle also showcases a new,minimalist interior design focused on a central display and reduced physical controls.BMW is emphasizing a circular economy approach in the Neue Klasse’s progress,with increased use of recycled materials and a focus on sustainable manufacturing processes. Specifically,BMW aims to increase the proportion of secondary materials used in its vehicles to around 30% by 2030,according to a company sustainability report released in September 2023. BMW Group Sustainability Report
The Neue Klasse platform will utilize BMW’s sixth-generation battery technology,featuring cylindrical cells with a higher energy density. This is expected to increase the range of BMW EVs to over 300 miles (483 kilometers) on a single charge. Charging times are also projected to be considerably reduced, with the ability to add over 190 miles (306 kilometers) of range in just 30 minutes using 800-volt charging technology. This technology is currently being implemented in vehicles like the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT, demonstrating its effectiveness in high-performance EVs. InsideEVs – BMW Neue Klasse Battery Details
Production of vehicles based on the Neue Klasse platform will begin at BMW’s debrecen plant in hungary in 2026. This new facility, representing a โฌ2 billion investment, is specifically designed for electric vehicle production and will incorporate state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies. The Debrecen plant is expected to create over 2,000 new jobs in the region. BMW Group Debrecen Plant Announcement
The iX3 preview signifies BMW’s commitment to becoming a leading provider of premium electric vehicles. The Neue klasse platform is crucial to this ambition, offering a scalable and technologically advanced foundation for future BMW models. The company plans to have at least ten fully