The forthcoming Neue Klasse automobiles from BMW could initially take the type of electrical variations of the three Sequence and X3, however Munich has plans to increase the lineup quickly within the coming years. This can begin with compact EVs that may complement the petrol- and diesel-powered 1 and 2 Sequence, known as the i1 and i2.
In keeping with Autocar, sources says these fashions will present a extra reasonably priced entry to BMW’s electrical lineup, which at the moment begins at RM249,800 for the iX1. The i1 can be supplied in 2026 as a hatchback and, for the primary time for a 1 Sequence outdoors of China and Mexico, a sedan.
In the meantime, the i2 will arrive in 2027 as a kind of crossover, albeit not the SUV variety as that might carry the “X” model. As an alternative, firm insiders are touting it as a religious successor to the unique i3 hatchback – an electrical 2 Sequence Lively Tourer, maybe? A “coupé” model of the i2 with a sleeker roofline can also be being developed.
The i1 and i2 can be underpinned by a distinctly separate model of the Neue Klasse structure – the NBx for front-wheel-drive automobiles. The following i3 and iX3 will as an alternative sit of the NAx for rear-drive fashions, which is able to spawn two derivatives – the NDx platform for luxurious automobiles and a lightened ZDx for future BMW M sports activities vehicles.
Except for the i1 and i2, the NBx will even kind the premise of the next-generation iX1 (and presumably its sportier iX2 sibling) and MINI Countryman. These will permit these vehicles to reap the advantages of the Neue Klasse structure, specifically quick DC charging speeds by an 800-volt electrical structure, vehicle-to-load (V2L) performance and new, extra energy-dense batteries that swap out prismatic cells for cylindrical ones.
The corporate stays dedicated to the compact phase at a time rivals like Mercedes-Benz and Audi are looking for to maneuver away from it. Product head Bernd Körber just lately instructed the publication that BMW needs to develop in all markets and “join with the youthful technology,” which fashions within the 1 and a couple of Sequence vary will appeal to.
“After all they’ve decrease profitability however in addition they fulfil a special function in getting youthful clients and creating [BMW] in sure markets,” Körber stated. “So sure, they’re nonetheless a part of our technique and it’s good that we’ve got two manufacturers within the phase, with after all MINI enjoying a giant position.”
Körber agreed with Autocar‘s suggestion that the departure of the Mercedes A-Class – which has just lately acquired a keep of execution however remains to be anticipated to be discontinued in 2026 – and the Audi A1 and Q2 will present BMW the chance for the 1 Sequence specifically to achieve market share.
The primary Neue Klasse fashions, the i3 and iX3, are stated to be within the “last phases” of growth and are being readied for manufacturing. “We’ve constructed the primary pre-series vehicles and have pushed them,” Körber stated, including that the brand new structure will even deliver next-generation software program and connectivity that can be rolled out throughout all future BMW fashions.
Munich will revamp its portfolio in brief order to maintain its lineup trying constant, with a brand new design language first seen within the Imaginative and prescient Neue Klasse and Imaginative and prescient Neue Klasse X to be utilized on all fashions. “We are going to change all the portfolio inside a comparatively quick time period, in order that it has one feel and appear and in addition the identical capabilities,” stated Körber. “Our ambition is that we unify that in a method that ideally one push of the button and your complete portfolio will get up to date.”
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