[ad_1]
With the i4 and iX, BMW currently has two of the hottest products in the EV market. It will join a new generation of zero-emissions vehicles towards the middle of the decade, powered by what the Bavarian company calls Neue Klasse. This is a new architecture that is currently in development and we will first see it under the skin of electric sedans and electric SUVs.
In a lengthy press release detailing the BMW Group’s financial results for the first half of the year, there is interesting information coming from BMW CEO Oliver Zipse. Reaffirming what he announced earlier this year during the automaker’s first-quarter earnings call, Zipse stated the Neue Klasse would back a compact electric sedan, followed by a compact SUV.
“Emotional products and innovative technology will remain the backbone of our business success. Our rapidly growing lineup of electric vehicles with the BMW 8 Operating System impresses customers and experts alike — and is already a key driver of our sales today. Starting in 2025, we will make the next big leap with Neue Klasse: Neue Klasse defines what the BMW Group stands for in the future. Initially, we planned a compact sedan in the 3 Series segment and a sporty SUV. By the end of the decade, Neue Klasse is expected to account for more than half of our sales.”
BMW isn’t ready to reveal any further details regarding its future electric vehicles, but a report from earlier this year highlighted that the automaker will eventually have a range of battery-powered models based on the Neue Klasse (New Class) architecture. These will range from mainstream segments to exclusive high-performance models. The new platform will be used for electric vehicles, while other combustion-powered models will continue to be supported by different platforms.
In its press release, BMW also explained how the Neue Klasse will be supported by BMW’s push towards a circular economy. Without elaborating, the automaker said it would use the new technology and production processes from the middle of this decade onwards. The first product based on the Neue Klasse will arrive in 2025 and there are already rumors of a potential supercar sporting the new architecture.
[ad_2]
Source link
