BMW Previews Radical Neue Klasse SUV Set to Launch in 2026
BMW has given a sneak peek of its upcoming electric SUV, which is set to be part of the Neue Klasse EV lineup. The new SUV, showcased briefly during the unveiling of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept, is expected to be released in 2026. This electric vehicle will be a crossover similar in size to the BMW iX3 and will compete with rivals such as the Audi Q6 E-tron and Mercedes EQC SUV.
The Neue Klasse lineup, with the Vision Neue Klasse concept as its inspiration, will feature a range of SUVs and sedans. BMW CEO Oliver Zipse has confirmed that the company plans to release six Neue Klasse models within a span of 24 months starting from 2025. This lineup will cater to a wide range of customers, offering options from SUVs to sedans.
While the Vision Neue Klasse concept showcased a low-slung saloon design, BMW remains committed to the SUV segment. This suggests that electric replacements for popular models like the X3, X5, X6, and X7 are in the pipeline. According to BMW’s design chief Domagog Dukec, the Neue Klasse will include both three-box designs and SUVs, acknowledging the demand for SUVs in the future.
The first model in the Neue Klasse lineup will be a BMW 3 Series-sized saloon, heavily influenced by the Vision Neue Klasse concept. The second model will be a closely related SUV, positioned as a successor to the current iX3. The SUV is expected to be 25% more efficient than its predecessor, resulting in an estimated range of around 360 miles compared to the iX3’s 286 miles.
To compete with its German counterparts, the BMW Neue Klasse SUV will have a charging capacity of 270kW. Additionally, BMW’s next-generation batteries will provide a slimmer profile, allowing for a more spacious cabin compared to the iX3, which is based on an internal combustion engine platform. The interior will feature the ninth generation of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, complete with a panoramic head-up display, gesture-controlled interfaces, and voice control. Sustainability and creating a warm and familiar environment will be key focuses for the interior design.
With the Neue Klasse lineup, BMW aims to reinvent its brand and establish a strong presence in the electric vehicle market. By offering a range of electric SUVs and sedans, BMW is catering to the evolving preferences of customers who are increasingly interested in sustainable and technologically advanced vehicles.
The BMW Neue Klasse SUV is set to make a bold statement with its radical design and advanced features. With its anticipated range and fast charging capabilities, it will be a strong competitor in the electric SUV segment. As BMW continues to expand its electric vehicle offerings, customers can look forward to a future where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.