In This ArticleBMW’s electrical roadmap is commonly described as a “transition,” however that phrase undersells how deliberate the technique really is. Over the following a number of years, BMW will probably be operating, by alternative, two essentially completely different EV architectures in parallel: the prevailing CLAR platform and the all-new Neue Klasse platform, internally often known as NCAR. Understanding the distinction between the 2 is vital to understanding why sure fashions are coming when they’re — and why others merely can not wait. It’s additionally value noting that the Neue Klasse know-how and design will probably be shared amongst these two architectures.
Earlier than diving into product names and codenames, it’s value beginning with the structure itself.
CLAR vs. Neue Klasse: Two EV Philosophies
CLAR was by no means designed as a pure electrical platform. It’s BMW’s modular, rear-wheel-drive-based structure that has supported combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen and EVs below the identical umbrella. That flexibility is its power — and its limitation. Packaging is constrained by exhausting factors designed round engines and transmissions, which suggests battery placement, cabin proportions, and effectivity are considerably compromised in comparison with a clean-sheet EV design. However what BMW is gaining is flexibility of their manufacturing, one thing that has paid off handsomely for the corporate to date.
Neue Klasse (NCAR) is the other. It’s BMW’s first high-volume, absolutely electric-only structure, designed from the bottom up round sixth-generation battery know-how, structural battery integration, centralized computing (Coronary heart of Pleasure), and a very new 800V electrical structure. It isn’t an evolution of CLAR — it’s a reset.
BMW has been clear that Neue Klasse will ultimately underpin the core of the model. However equally vital is what BMW has not mentioned: CLAR is just not going away in a single day. Or ever. Massive automobiles, high-margin SUVs, and sure M derivatives will proceed on CLAR nicely into the second half of the last decade. And probably past it.
That overlap explains the product combine we’re about to see.
A Needed Disclaimer: What’s Confirmed, What’s Inferred
BMW has not formally confirmed the total EV lineup for both structure. What we all know right now falls into three classes:
- Formally confirmed merchandise, such because the NA0 i3, ZA0 M3 and the Neue Klasse iX3.
- Strongly corroborated merchandise, supported by provider data, sources, spy photographs and unbiased product-forecast analysis companies.
- Logically inevitable merchandise, primarily based on BMW’s present lineup, platform scalability, and market segmentation.
Every little thing beneath suits into a type of buckets. None of it contradicts BMW’s public technique — and far of it’s already seen when you perceive how BMW plans generations, derivatives, and manufacturing footprints.
Neue Klasse (NCAR): The Electrical Core of BMW
Neue Klasse begins the place BMW quantity begins: the three Collection and X3 segments. These are the model’s international spine, and BMW has confirmed that Neue Klasse will anchor itself right here earlier than increasing outward.
The primary manufacturing Neue Klasse SUV would be the iX3 (NA5), adopted by a long-wheelbase variant (NA6) primarily geared toward China. A sportier iX4 (NA7) is predicted to observe, aligning with BMW’s conventional SUV-coupe technique.
On the sedan facet, the NA0 i3 is crucial automobile BMW will launch this decade. It replaces the CLAR-based electrical 3 Collection method with a devoted EV sedan, adopted carefully by the NA1 i3 Touring, reinforcing BMW’s dedication to wagons — even within the EV period.
From there, the lineup expands logically. Coupe and convertible physique kinds re-emerge as NA2 i4 Coupe and NA3 i4 Convertible, signaling that Neue Klasse isn’t just about effectivity, however about emotional physique kinds BMW has traditionally defended.
On the compact finish, the 1 Collection is rumored to lastly get an electrical model, referred to as the i1 (NB0). Electrical X1 derivatives (NB5 and NB6 long-wheelbase) are additionally anticipated after this technology iX1 is retired. They’ll convey Neue Klasse know-how downmarket, together with a long-wheelbase X1 variant for China.
On the prime quality, we count on a successor of the favored BMW i7 electrical limousine. The codename has been rumored for some time, ND0, and we don’t count on that to alter. The second technology i7 will convey Neue Klasse tech into the luxurious flagship section, changing right now’s CLAR-based i7 with a platform that lastly permits BMW to rethink proportions, cabin area, and battery integration with out compromise.
BMW M Will Be Electrified Additionally
Neue Klasse can be the place BMW M’s electrical future begins in earnest. Absolutely electrical M Efficiency and full M fashions — together with ZA5 X3 M electrical, ZA7 X4 M electrical, and ZA2 M4 Electrical — are anticipated to debut right here, leveraging the platform’s centralized computing and torque-vectoring capabilities relatively than retrofitting efficiency onto a versatile structure.
CLAR EVs: Why BMW Nonetheless Wants the Outdated Platform
If Neue Klasse is BMW’s future, CLAR stays its current — particularly for big SUVs. BMW has little incentive to hurry full-size automobiles onto a brand-new platform when CLAR already helps worthwhile, well-understood merchandise. That’s why the following technology of huge electrical SUVs will proceed on CLAR.
These embody the iX5 (G65), iX6 (G66), and iX7 (G67) — electrical counterparts to BMW’s largest and most profitable ICE fashions. These automobiles prioritize area, towing functionality, and luxury over cutting-edge effectivity, making CLAR a wonderfully acceptable compromise.
On the very prime sits the ALPINA iX7 (G99), a product that just about defines why CLAR should exist alongside Neue Klasse. ALPINA clients count on refinement, energy, and continuity — not early adoption of radical architectures.
BMW has already confirmed the iX5 publicly, and the remaining observe naturally from BMW’s product cadence and SUV hierarchy.
Why This Break up Really Makes Sense
From the surface, operating two EV architectures can look inefficient. In actuality, it offers BMW strategic flexibility at a time when EV adoption charges, laws, and regional demand stay uneven.
Neue Klasse is optimized for:
- Excessive-volume segments
- Effectivity and charging efficiency
- Software program-defined automobile conduct
- Lengthy-term scalability
CLAR stays ideally suited for:
- Massive, premium SUVs
- Decrease-risk EV conversions
- Markets the place EV uptake is slower
- Excessive-margin area of interest merchandise
BMW is just not hedging its bets — it’s sequencing them.
Neue Klasse may ultimately substitute CLAR fully for EVs, despite the fact that that’ one thing that nobody is aware of at this level. The political panorama throughout the globe appears to be shifting weekly, if not each day, however that’s the great thing about this cut up method: BMW appears able to rapidly adapt. Till then, this dual-platform technique permits BMW to maintain promoting vehicles individuals really purchase, whereas quietly constructing the muse for what comes subsequent.
After all, there are possible different merchandise within the pipeline, on each architectures, so hopefully we study extra about these sooner or later and convey a brand new replace to this record.
