2023-09-03 18:28:48
• BMW took advantage of the Munich Auto Show this weekend to unveil its new Vision Neue Klasse concept.
The BMW Vision Neue Klasse is a four-door sedan concept that provides a glimpse of the automaker’s future direction in design and technology.
new class ?
The Neue Klasse (“new class” in German) was first introduced by BMW in the early 1960s and represented a strategic shift for the company. Embodied by the iconic BMW 1500, the Neue Klasse ushered in a new era of compact and sporty sedans, featuring state-of-the-art engineering and focusing on driving dynamics. This is where BMW’s reputation for producing “ultimate driving machines” was born. It is the origin of the 3 Series and other very popular BMW models.
Photo: BMW
BMW Vision New class
In terms of design, the new Neue Klasse departs from BMW’s current design language. The company describes it as a simplification of its design, but there’s an undeniable shift in the very direction the design could be headed. There are retro elements such as a forward-leaning shark nose, powerful wheel arches and a retracted greenhouse. This look is unique and distinctive.
Notably, the concept features a new interpretation of BMW’s signature grille. Instead of a traditional grille, the car features a light panel that runs horizontally across the front of the vehicle. It incorporates driver assistance sensors for a cleaner appearance and features a three-dimensional lighting effect as a form of communication with the driver.
At the rear, the taillights are more exotic and feature 3D-printed light elements to create depth perception.
The Neue Klasse incorporates ‘E Ink’ elements in the lower side windows, which highlight where the driver should place their hand to open the doors. Doors can open automatically when the hand is in the right place.
Photo: BMW
BMW Vision Neue Klasse, interior
interior
Unsurprisingly, the innovative design and advanced technology are the two highlights of the cabin. The Neue Klasse introduces the next generation of BMW’s iDrive system, accessible via a new touchscreen that replaces the traditional iDrive rotary knob. The software has been redesigned to offer a new structure and operation compared to the current iDrive system.
The concept features the BMW Panoramic Vision display, which is expected to be offered as an option on Neue Klasse vehicles. This full-width screen is projected across the entire lower part of the windscreen, making it visible to both driver and passengers. The content displayed is an extension of the central touchscreen, and it can be controlled by a touch controller on the steering wheel or on the central touchscreen.
Note that it’s designed to work seamlessly with polarized sunglasses, which solves a common problem with some head-up display systems.
Photo: BMW
BMW Vision Neue Klasse, three-quarter rear
Electric platform
The Neue Klasse is an integral part of BMW’s electrification strategy. It’s built on a new platform and BMW claims several advancements in EV technology. The company touts new battery cells with higher energy density, faster charging capabilities (by 30%) and improved overall driving efficiency (up to 25% increase). These advances are expected to result in an increase in range of around 30% compared to current BMW EVs.
Autonomy and charging
It’s still too early to have precise figures on the range of the Neue Klasse, but BMW estimates that with these technological improvements, a vehicle like the BMW i4 could theoretically achieve a range of 650 km. Additionally, the charging speed is expected to increase to 260kW, making it faster than Tesla’s vehicles and bringing it closer to the charging speeds of models like the Porsche Taycan and Audi E-Tron GT.
The BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept exemplifies BMW’s vision for the future of electric vehicles, and puts an exclamation mark on the manufacturer’s firm commitment to electrification. Many, if not most, of the innovations, design advancements and features presented here are likely to influence future electric vehicles from BMW. BMW plans to introduce Neue Klasse vehicles on the roads by 2025.
Photo: BMW
BMW Vision New class, profile
1693768874
#BMW #Vision #Neue #Klasse #concept #Munich #Motor #Show #Automotive #News