BMW has recently revealed its Vision Neue Klasse concept car at the IAA Mobility Auto Show, in Munich, Germany. The Neue Klasse, which used to be the name of a classic series of BMWs, is now the label of a new line of EVs with a revamped style. The company expresses its vision for the future with three main characteristics: iconic, cool, and alive. The first one refers to the timeless shape of the vehicles, which aim to be modestly attractive instead of forcefully trendy. Whether the Neue Klasse EV achieves just that is currently a matter of different opinions.
A Design Inspired by the Past
While we’ve become used to luxury concept cars such as the Mercedes Vision One Eleven, the Neue Klasse Concept takes a different route with a simpler look. The outcome, however, has created mixed feedback online. While some fans like the design of the concept as a healthy innovation, others view it as a mistake on BMW’s part.
The fact that this Concept is not only a fancy display of imagination but also a real indication of the company’s direction has definitely caused some controversy. The Neue Klasse Concept is meant to give a glimpse of the future, but we cannot ignore its retro-like aspect. The car seems to be a tribute to the 1968 BMW 2002, with a more flashy styling. The paint chosen is called “Joyous Bright”, and mixed with a faint yellow shade. The front is enhanced with a tilted shark nose, containing two lit-up kidney grilles that stretch across the front bumper. The BMW 303 was the first car to have kidney grilles, in 1933. Since then, the signature element has come in different styles and sizes.
A Sneak Peek of the Electric 3 Series
The Neue Klasse Concept is not only a showcase of BMW’s design philosophy, but also a sneak peek of what’s coming for one of its most popular models: the 3 Series. The sedan is expected to have a major makeover in 2025, with an electric version named the 330i. The decision to add an electric powertrain to the flagship 3 Series is a historic moment in itself, considering the famous sedan has been a key model since 1975. Now, the BMW 3 Series is ready to launch with a new powertrain, and a new design in 2025, as a 2026 model. The design will thus look like that of the Neue Klasse, with possible hints of the BMW i Vision Dee Concept. The electric 3 series will likely have a rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive configuration.
While the company hasn’t shared the specs yet, we can reasonably expect the updated sedan to surpass its current competitor in terms of acceleration. The 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque offered by the current ICE should also be surpassed. In terms of pricing, the electric 330i will likely have an MSRP of $45,000, putting it in the same category as the Hyundai Ioniq 6.
A New Benchmark for Electric Range
Electric vehicles under the Neue Klasse umbrella are notably expected to set a new benchmark for electric range. If the claims are true, then the 330i should logically provide more than 300 miles on a full charge. The charging speed should also be improved, in order to allow the electric BMW to fully take advantage of the company’s Electrify America Project. The latter is a joint effort between seven of the world’s leading automakers, aimed at providing 30,000 chargers in the U.S. and Canada, by 2030.
BMW’s Vision Neue Klasse Concept is a bold and iconic statement that showcases the company’s ambition and creativity. Whether it will appeal to the masses or not remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: BMW is not afraid to take risks and challenge conventions.
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