BMW is engaged on its next-generation EV platform, code-named Neue Klasse, German for “New Class,” and followers will get the primary style of what to anticipate subsequent January throughout 2023 CES in Las Vegas.
Throughout a convention name on Thursday outlining BMW’s third-quarter monetary outcomes, Nicolas Peter, BMW’s chief monetary officer, mentioned the automaker will unveil a “imaginative and prescient automobile” associated to the Neue Klasse throughout CES.
Imaginative and prescient automobile is the time period BMW makes use of for an idea automobile, although the idea BMW has deliberate for CES could not essentially be an entire automobile. It may presumably be only a automobile inside idea, as Peter through the name mentioned the idea would “underpin” the automaker’s digital experience.
The Neue Klasse platform is being developed from the onset for electrical powertrains. Initially, BMW deliberate for it to exchange the present UKL and CLAR platforms by additionally supporting internal-combustion engines in varied hybrid configurations, however that plan has been deserted. The platform will likely be able to supporting a hydrogen gas cell, nevertheless.
The platform will permit engineers to differ the wheelbase size to suit a wide range of physique types, and autos primarily based on the platform will tackle a extra aerodynamic design to assist maximize vary. Consequently, proportions will differ from the previous, not just for aerodynamics but in addition to spice up inside area. The platform may even use BMW’s sixth-generation electrical motor and battery expertise, which guarantees improved energy and effectivity. The battery will characteristic a brand new cylindrical cell design (as a substitute of the present prismatic cell design), and along with different enhancements ought to end in a vary enchancment of 30% over BMW’s present batteries.
The primary Neue Klasse-based automobile will likely be constructed at a plant underneath building in Debrecen, Hungary, beginning in 2025. Neue Klasse-based autos may even be constructed at an current plant in Munich, Germany, beginning in 2026.
The primary automobile will likely be a sedan within the 3-Collection phase, and it will likely be adopted by a sporty SUV, BMW CEO Oliver Zipse mentioned in August when saying first-half monetary outcomes.
