PressClub Global · Article.
First look at Neue Klasse as SAV: The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X.
21.03.2024 Press Release
+++ Innovative drive and chassis control delivers more precision, more dynamic performance, more efficiency, more fun +++ personal favorite sound with the new BMW iDrive +++ resource-saving plant-based material “Verdana” in the interior +++ Spacious, open, progressive design +++
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BMW Group
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Steven Woerns
BMW Group
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Munich. A new BMW Group Vision Vehicle provides a
first glimpse of the Neue Klasse as an SAV: The BMW Vision Neue Klasse
X brings the aesthetics, technology, sustainability, and philosophy of
the Neue Klasse to the Sports Activity Vehicles sector. The first
fully-electric raised derivative on the new architecture will go into
series production at Plant Debrecen (Hungary) in 2025.
“Together with the BMW Vision Neue Klasse, the BMW Vision Neue
Klasse X showcases the breadth of our future BMW model line-up. The
Neue Klasse reflects the variety of all the models that customers want
today and in the future – from sporty sedan, with all its derivatives,
to modern SAV family,” says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of
Management of BMW AG. “In this way, we are underlining that the Neue
Klasse is much more than just a car or a specific concept; it is
redefining the BMW brand – and, at the same time, will be more BMW
than ever.”
The company presented a clear picture of the brand's future as a
sedan with the BMW Vision Neue Klasse at IAA 2023. The latest Vision
Vehicle now illustrates how BMW sees the future of its X models. The
BMW Vision Neue Klasse X stands for an active lifestyle, efficient
dynamics and a confident stance. Its design combines a clear exterior
design language with a bright and spacious interior. Special lighting
and sound effects enabled by the next generation of BMW iDrive enhance
the intuitive digital user experience. The three main characteristics
of the Neue Klasse – electric, digital and circular – are expanded
here to include a fourth dimension. The driving pleasure that forms
the core of the BMW brand is taken to the next level with drive and
chassis control developed specially for the Neue Klasse and with the
sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology. Its sustainability concept
also ensures responsible production, operations, disassembly and recycling.
Innovative drive and chassis control: more dynamic
performance, more precision, more efficiency.
A new
type of drive and chassis control delivers a superior driving
experience that is tailored to individual needs. It is based on a new
software stack developed in-house by the BMW Group that will help the
vehicles of the Neue Klasse guarantee a smooth drive at all times. Two
out of four new super-brains will take the driving experience in the
Neue Klasse to a new dimension.
“Neue Klasse means BMW driving at an even higher level,”
explains Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG
responsible for Development. “The BMW of the future will have four
totally new super-brains: high-performance computers working smartly
together on what, up until now, was processed separately. We developed
the first super-brain completely in-house. It integrates the entire
powertrain and driving dynamics with up to ten times more computing
power. The second super-brain will enable the next quantum leap in
automated driving,” Weber continues. “Going forward, we will combine
four key control units in a single high-performance computer. The
result will be more dynamic performance, more precision, more
efficiency and even more fun to drive.”
Design: BMW X models reimagined with strong characters.
In combination with the two-box design of a BMW X model, the
pared-down design language developed for the Neue Klasse also
represents a major leap forward in both exterior and interior design.
With its increased ground clearance, the fully-electric vehicle
architecture offers new possibilities for an even more spacious
interior. It allows for a long wheelbase, short overhangs and classic
BMW proportions. Large window areas and the panoramic glass roof flood
the interior with natural light, creating an airy spaciousness that is
complemented by textiles in warm colours.
“The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X provides a look ahead to the X
models of the Neue Klasse. The same principles apply to our Sport
Activity Vehicles: electric, digital and circular,” says Adrian van
Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design.
“The X models will always
remain strong in character: monolithic, clean and with a very
distinctive vertical interpretation of the BMW light signature.”
The new brand look for the BMW X models also contributes to the
Vision Vehicle’s strong presence. Vertically aligned LED units offer a
fresh interpretation of BMW’s hallmark light signature. Front and
centre is the BMW kidney grille, reimagined as a three-dimensional
sculpture with vertically aligned and backlit contours. Together, the
headlights and kidney grille create a lighting effect that is
activated as the driver approaches the vehicle and continues in the interior.
The rear section is powerful and athletic. Rear lights that
reach far into the centre provide a horizontal interpretation of the
familiar BMW L shape. Its 3D-printed elements are individually
controlled with variable light intensity to convey a particularly
expressive depth effect.
Flush glass surfaces and the bright “Coral Silver” exterior
paintwork give the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X a certain lightness. In
the rear portion of the side windows, the brand’s signature Hofmeister
kink is realised not through chrome edging, but with a “reflective
print” that forms a transparent or reflective surface, depending on
the viewing angle.
Custom user experience with BMW Panoramic Vision and
HYPERSONX WHEEL personalised sound experience.
The slightly elevated seating position ensures a confident
driving experience. The redesigned steering wheel with multifunction
buttons, Central Display with intuitive touch control functionality
and BMW Panoramic Vision, together with the advanced voice control of
the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, serve as the effortless and
intuitive interfaces for human-car interaction. BMW Panoramic Vision
projects key information across the full width of the windscreen. It
will be complemented in production models of the Neue Klasse by the
enhanced BMW 3D Head-Up Display.
In the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X, the Central Display is
elegantly integrated into the instrument panel, providing both front
passengers with optimal access to all infotainment functions. The
colours shown are not only transferred to the ambient light, but also
to the backlit textile surfaces of the instrument panel.
The Personal Sound Experience, presented for the first time with
the new HYPERSONX WHEEL, opens up further
possibilities. With this digital function, car occupants can enjoy
their favourite sound on any trip. The sound, generated in real time
and adjusted with the tap of a finger on the
HYPERSONX WHEEL, is an innovative contribution to the
immersive and holistic user experience that transforms the interior of
the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X into a personal experience space.
BMW eDrive technology: Sixth generation more efficient than ever.
In the Neue Klasse, overall vehicle efficiency reaches a new
level. The latest, sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology is key to
this. In addition to improved e-drive units, it also features new and
now round lithium-ion battery cells, with a volumetric energy density
more than 20 percent higher than that of the prismatic cells
previously used. In combination with the transition to an 800-volt
system, this will improve charging speed by up to 30 percent –
allowing vehicles to charge enough for a 300-kilometre range in just
ten minutes. The sixth generation of BMW eDrive also delivers up to 30
percent more range. When it comes to aerodynamics, the BMW Vision Neue
Klasse X boasts an impressive new top figure: with drag reduced by 20
percent to a comparable model in the current line-up. New tyre designs
and a special brake system for fully-electric vehicles help increase
overall vehicle efficiency by up to 25 percent.
Reduced CO2 footprint through more
resource-efficient production and supply chain.
A
completely plant-based, mineral-based and petroleum-free surface
material “Verdana” was developed for the interior. It will be used in
the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X in the lower portion of the door
panelling and in the centre console. Maritime plastics are also being
utilised for the first time for injection-moulded parts. In selected
components, this secondary raw material, which is obtained, for
example, from discarded fishing nets, already accounts for 30 percent.
The choice of materials and construction method enable easier
disassembly of components and improved recyclability. The side skirts
and front and rear apron attachments are also produced from recycled
mono-materials. In this, the new design concept follows the principle
of the BMW i Vision Circular presented in 2021, which relied
extensively on mono-materials to optimise recyclability.
The Neue Klasse also heralds a new chapter in production
history. BMW Group Plant Debrecen in Hungary was planned and developed
as an iFACTORY.
BMW Group Corporate Communications
Steven Wörns
Press spokesperson, BMW Group Design
Telephone:
+49-151-601-16992
Email: Steven.Woerns@bmw.com
Almut Stollberg
Head of Communications Innovation, Design, Technology, Digital
Car
Telephone: +49-151-601-96543
Email: Almut.Stollberg@bmw.com
Media website: www.press.bmwgroup.com
Email: presse@bmw.de