Bojan Vrbnjak
BMW is completely renewing itself in the field of electric cars. The future is called “New Class” and refers to the models of the same name from the 1960s, which returned the brand to the path of success. At the fair IAA 2023 was presented closer to the production version of the sedan New Class, which now follows SUV with an additional abbreviation X.
BMW Vision New Class X it is not yet a production model, but the preview shown is already quite concrete. It catches the eye during the first live viewing front part: Lots of headlights, small kidney grille. Unlike many current BMWs. History-savvy fans of the brand will recognize certain parallels with coupés old new class from 1965, which they called "Chinese eyes".
They generally are dimensions of the study still quite vague. But we guess it measures approx 4,70 meters like the current BMW X3, which it also resembles side window graphics. The rear, however, has a certain flair X5, with a twist XM, Mercedes GLE or Alphas Romeo Tonale. The manufacturer himself boasts: “In the BMW Vision New Class X, the aesthetics, technology, sustainability and philosophy of the new class are transferred to the field of sports vehicles.” The first completely electrical high derivative, which is based on a new architecture, will begin serial production at the factory in Debrecen (Hungary) in the second half of 2025. The sedan will follow in years 2026, and a total of six models are planned on three continents.
It is emphasized new form drive and chassis management. It is based on a new software package developed by the company BMW Group. Member of the Development Committee Frank Weber"In the BMW of the future, four completely new super brains are at work: high-performance computers that intelligently combine things that previously worked separately. We developed the first super brain 100% in-house. It integrates the entire drivetrain and driving dynamics with up to ten times more computing power. Other super brains enable the next step forward in automated driving,”He continues Weaver. "In the future, we will combine four important control units in a single high-performance computer. The result: greater dynamics, greater precision, greater efficiency and even greater driving pleasure."
When we talk about technology: It uses the sixth generation of technology BMW eDrive (also in the serial model). In addition to the further improved drive units, the e-drive also includes new, now round ones lithium-ion battery cells. Compared to previous prismatic cells, these have more than 20 percent higher volumetric energy density. In combination with the transition to 800-volt system speed up the charging speed by up to 30 percent. Reach 300 kilometers can be filled in ten minutes. In addition, the sixth generation of drive BMW eDrive provides up to 30 percent longer range. In the field of aerodynamics, it has BMW Vision New Class X a new high: compared to a comparable model from the current range, air resistance is reduced by 20 percent.
V inside the seats are slightly raised, the steering wheel is redesigned and has multifunction buttons. BMW Panoramic Vision projects the most important information after the entire width of the windshield. In the standard models of the new class, it is complemented by a further developed one head-up display. Central display in BMW Vision New Class X is elegantly integrated into the instrument panel and allows passengers in the front seats optimal access to all infotainment functions. Shown colors are not only transferred to ambient light, but also on illuminated textile surfaces instrument panels.
