The next in a series of concept cars hinting at BMW's future design language and approach to producing sustainable electric vehicles (EVs) is shown here, the eye-catching Vision Neue Klasse X. It follows on from the i Vision Circular, i Vision Dee and the Vision Neue Klasse saloon. Each of those has moved closer to what we'd expect a production car to look like, as does the new X model. It adopts the pared-back style of the other concepts and applies it to an SUV body. Just as importantly, this concept previews BMW's next-generation interior layout, infotainment and interface, while hinting at an even more capable electric powertrain.
New BMW face established
Given its consistency throughout the four concept cars, it's highly likely that a production version of the Neue Klasse (in saloon and SUV guises) will feature the distinctive LED light signature of the headlights shown here, incorporating two diagonal LED lines for daytime running lights and other elements hidden behind a flush transparent cover. It's a more abstract take on BMW's characteristic two-light motif, and the finish of the front end in the Neue Klasse X pictured here looks closer to production than that of the saloon of last year.
In that car - the Vision Neue Klasse - the sections containing the lights were effectively full-width alternatives to the traditional BMW 'kidney grille', but the X concept brings those back in a more recognisable format. Many have criticised BMW for the upright kidney grille found on the likes of the iX and current 4 Series, but the Vision Neue Klasse X's grille is smaller than on those cars, if illuminated for full effect.
Fans of the castellation where the grille meets the bonnet on existing models will be happy that it appears to be coming to the new cars as well, drawing attention to the BMW roundel. This is etched into the surface of the bonnet rather than a separate component, one of many touches designed to ease recycling of the car at the end of its life.
BMW X signifiers elsewhere
From the side, the Vision Neue Klasse X is remarkably free of decoration, helped by the dinky little Ford Mustang Mach-E-like door handles and the slender cameras that replace the door mirrors. There's a generous ratio of glass to metal, too, and it's noticeably flush with the bodywork in the name of low drag. Nonetheless, the chunkiness of the wheelarches and the sculpting of the panels is reminiscent of existing BMW X models.
The 22-inch wheels - wearing Michelin Pilot Sport tyres - are in a design that wouldn't look out of place in a BMW showroom today, giving the concept a square stance and making it difficult to guess at its size. We know it's 4.7 metres long overall, however, which is the same as the current BMW X3.
Distinctive LED lighting is found at the rear of the concept, too, extending from the sides and nearly touching in the middle. As with the front, this accentuates the BMW badge in the centre and creates a castellated effect on the tailgate, mirrored on the roof spoiler above. Ahead of that is a glass roof that runs melds with the raked windscreen to flood the cabin with light.
New interior operating concept
Although we don't expect to see a BMW production car with the same interior colour and material scheme as the Vision Neue Klasse X any time soon, pay close attention to the large touchscreen and the strip of information at the base of the windscreen. The latter is called BMW Panoramic Vision, and it will be a feature of the final showroom-bound derivatives of the Neue Klasse concept cars. It's fully customisable and complemented by a new 3D head-up display.
It's not so clear how close to a production reality the unusual multifunction steering wheel and the minimalist controls for seat adjustment and window opening are, of course.
Within the infotainment system is a way for the driver to customise the sound the car makes. It's called the 'HypersonX Wheel', and it features in a menu allowing personalisation of the screen display, too. The colours taken from there are used in the ambient lighting and in the backlit textile surface of the dashboard.
Up to 600km range?
Though this car is only a concept, within the infotainment we noted a display showing that the battery was 100 per cent charged up and the remaining range was 600km. BMW has confirmed that the Neue Klasse models will receive its sixth-generation 'eDrive' technology for greater efficiency - claimed to be improved by as high as 25 per cent. A key feature is the move to round lithium-ion battery cells, resulting in 20 per cent higher volumetric density - i.e. 20 per cent more energy storage in a given space. There will also be an 800-volt electrical system to speed up charging (300km in 10 minutes, apparently), 20 per cent less aerodynamic drag and a special new brake system specific to EVs. If these figures sound vague, that's because BMW doesn't really want to say too much until there's an actual production car around the corner.
Finally, the materials used, and the construction methods employed, are all in the name of easy recyclability and sustainability as part of an ideal circular economy where nothing is wasted. 'Secondary' raw materials such as discarded fishing nets and other maritime plastics feature, as do 'mono-materials' that are easier to recycle.
Coming to Ireland in 2025
BMW has already confirmed that the next iteration of the Neue Klasse will go into production in 2025. This will take place in the BMW Group's new 'iFactory' in Hungary, the first in the company to run entirely on fossil-free energy.