Japan Mobility Show 2023: BMW Vision Neue Klasse makes Asia debut

Gajanan Kashikar Published: October 25, 2023, 01:32 PM IST

The BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept has made its Asian public debut at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, offering a glimpse into the electric, digital, and sustainable future of the BMW brand. The term "Neue Klasse" goes back to BMW's history in the early 1960s, a period of significant development that led to the creation of the 5 Series. This Vision Vehicle showcases a design that will influence various Neue Klasse models. Its design language is clear and stripped down to essentials, emphasising iconic BMW features, such as the kidney grille and the Hofmeister kink. Meanwhile, BMW will introduce six Neue Klasse EVs in the next two years.

BMW Vision Neue Klasse: Design

The design of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept showcases familiar design elements from the iVision DEE Concept, including the window line, front fascia, and rear design. The overall shape and the 'Shark Nose' front end pay homage to the original 'Neue Klasse' and other classic BMW saloons. The new lighting signatures and graphics can be seen throughout the car, including a wake-up routine to welcome the driver. The twin headlights are integrated with the kidney grille, and the car uses sensors to unlock the doors, eliminating traditional door handles. Also, the extensive laminated glass roof can be tinted for shade.

BMW Vision Neue Klasse: Interior

The interior continues the minimalist theme, with most functions controlled through voice commands using the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. A single rectangular central information hub is linked to the Panoramic screen, which can display information that all four occupants can see. The car retains a traditional shifter in the centre console, operated by pressing it forward and back. BMW's next-generation iDrive system, coming in 2025, allows both the driver and passenger to interact with and customise information on the infotainment touchscreen, especially when the vehicle is operating in Level 3 autonomous mode, with new augmented reality features for entertainment.

BMW Vision Neue Klasse: Electric Powertrain

The BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept features the upcoming sixth-generation eDrive technology, offering a 25 per cent increase in efficiency, a 30 per cent longer driving range, and 30 per cent faster charging compared to the current system. The increased use of secondary raw materials and resource-efficient production aims to reduce the lifecycle carbon footprint of Neue Klasse models, says BMW.