The experience with the Vision Drive made headlines for their unprecedented technical specifications. The quad engine EV has 18,000 NM torque (probably on the wheels) and over 1,300 hp. It can climb a 55-degree ramp and included five fans that create 1,000 kilograms of static downforce. Active Aero adds another 200 kg (441 LBS), and BMW claims that the car can produce side forces from up to 3Gs.
This is impressive and everything, but what about the design? At Auto Shanghai 2025, BMWblog spoke to Adrian van Hooydonk about the VDX. A stronger follow-up for the 2023 Vision New Class concept is more of a functional prototype than a static concept. According to the design of the BMW Group, you have expanded the car by adapting arches, which may indicate the electrical M3 (“ZA0”) in a few years.
Although there is no combustion engine under the bonnet, BMW added side air outlets to cool the electrical drive train. The original vision of new class did not have the slots between the hooded connection and the fenders. At this point, the heat department was not a problem. While the VDX does not penetrate the production, the company’s chief of design made it slide that the Electric i3 sedan has some similarities, especially the C pillars and the rear shoulders.
A function that we had not noticed before is at the back where air traffic points are installed under the taillights. The back of the VDX protrudes more than the show car. According to van Hooydonk, the blown diffuser with huge sockets gives the rear end a “extreme” appearance.
The BMW Group’s design head confirmed that limousines will use the wider horizontal renal grille with built -in daily run lights. SUVs will accept an upright layout with closer kidneys, as can be seen on the vision of new class X. Interestingly, van Hoydonk suggested that future models will have cleaner front-end styling by hiding some of the sensors used for autonomous driving technology.
Overall, the new design language will use fewer lines to create smoother surfaces, as the two vision Neee class show cars drive forward. We have also learned that BMW Chrome will replace LEDs at the front. The profile includes electrically operated winglets that are mounted on the belt line. However, the IX3 will not have it, but the future X5 (“G65”) will be together with the skytop.
Inside, the simplified cabin is closer than ever for the production ready I3 (“Na0”), including the panoramic view and the new steering wheel. Of course, the roller cage and the racing cable tree for the regular i3 or its M -variant are not planned.
BMW certainly keeps more than a few things under closure until the IX3 premiere in early September. The i3 sedan will follow China next year together with a Langrad-X3.
