BMW has revealed the next vehicle in its Neue Klasse series of concepts, the BMW Neue Klasse X crossover concept.
The most revolutionary part of the BMW Neue Klasse X concept is arguably its design, which represents a fairly clean break from current BMW design, taking an almost neo-retro direction, especially evident from the front. While the Neue Klasse sedan concept had a simple, two-part grille arrangement, the BMW Neue Klasse X concept features a grille that is reminiscent of the BMW shark noses of the past, like the iconic BMW 2002 sports sedan. Of course, this being a modern EV, BMW has made this new grille suitably modern with LED lighting and three-dimensional detailing. The BMW Neue Klasse X concept daytime running lights eschew the circle DRLs of more recent BMWs for two diagonal LED crosshatches.
The general shape of the BMW Neue Klasse X concept somehow manages to be both sleek and blocky, with pronounced wheel arches and a low belt line. BMW says the BMW Neue Klasse X concept is 20 percent more aerodynamically efficient than previous X models, which should help with range. The rear features a clean, pared-down design with dual horizontal taillights mounted high on the tailgate that feature a simple crosshatching pattern of LEDs echoing the front lighting design.
The interior is similarly a break from current BMW design with an open, airy cabin featuring contrasting colors and interesting detailing. The BMW Neue Klasse X concept’s interior incorporates plenty of sustainable materials, including new plant-based materials that are free of petroleum and recycled fish nets included in 30 percent of the interior plastics. The BMW Neue Klasse X concept features inviting-looking seats in a warm burnt orange and a crisscrossing pattern, which was first seen in the BMW iX. A unique four-spoke steering wheel (or two-spoke, depending on the way you define spokes) features a squared-off design and is featured in a contrasting warm white that is also echoed on the BMW Neue Klasse X concept’s dashboard. In all, it has a very cheery, contemporary look.
One thing you won’t see is a physical iDrive wheel or controller of any kind; the BMW Neue Klasse X concept’s new infotainment system is purely touch (both screen and steering wheel controls) and voice-based. A large central display in a unique rhombus shape serves as the main control center for vehicle functions and runs a new version of iDrive. A new “Panoramic Vision” system projects system information across the entire length of the windshield and can display a wide variety of information at an optimal height for the driver to view while in motion.
The BMW Neue Klasse X concept is roughly the same size as the BMW iX3, BMW’s current compact BEV crossover that is not sold in the US, which the Neuw Klasse X should replace when it goes into production sometime next year. We should learn more about the production version, including information about its powertrain and range, closer to its on-sale date.
