BMW to make radical styling changes to future electric models

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BMW has demonstrated what its next generation of cars will look like with the Vision Neue Klasse concept.

The vehicle, which was unveiled at the IAA Mobility 2023 International Motor Show in Munich, sets the scene for a new line-up of six electric cars that will be revealed over the next two years.

A BMW 3 Series-sized saloon will be the first car to break cover and will take inspiration from the Vision Neue Klasse concept.

“30% more range, 30% faster charging, 25% more efficiency – the Neue Klasse represents a major technological leap that will take EfficientDynamics to new heights. The same applies to its design – which could not be any more futuristic,” said Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development.

“With the Neue Klasse, we have embarked on the biggest investment in the company’s history. We are not just writing the next chapter of BMW; we’re writing a whole new book. That’s why the Neue Klasse will certainly impact all model generations.”

BMW says the car's exterior showcases design elecmeants that will "define the different Neue Klasse models. It represents a bold new look, while incorporating key BMW design features like the kidney grille and the Hofmeister kink of the side window graphic.

Analogue operating controls have been reduced to a minimum in the BMW Vision Neue Klasse. Human-car interaction takes place through the BMW Panoramic Vision, the Central Display and multifunction buttons on the steering wheel.

In the next generation of BMW iDrive, both the driver and front passenger are able to interact with information displayed on BMW Panoramic Vision, creating a shared user experience. Drivers can move content shown on the Central Display to the BMW Panoramic Vision with a simple gesture.

High energy efficiency while driving will be ensured by optimising weight, air and rolling resistance, as well as through intelligent heat management, using sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology.

Advances in the new BMW eDrive technology include newly-developed round battery cells, with more than 20% higher energy density than that of the prismatic cells previously used. The sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology will improve the charging speed for Neue Klasse models by up to 30%, in addition to boosting their range by up to 30%. As a result of all these measures, BMW says overall vehicle efficiency will increase by up to 25%.