BMW balances retro and future with Neue Klasse X

The Vision Neue Klasse X has been revealed, previewing the next iX3 and, more generally, SUVs to come. This new concept is, nominally, a five-passenger SUV, or Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) according to BMW. But it is also an updated platform for a new class of cars and the presentation centered around the technology that will underpin these future vehicles.

It is important to compare and contrast with the Neue Klasse sedan introduced last year in Munich. That sedan, with many design references to classic BMWs, introduced us to what is coming, and the Vision Neue Klasse X continues and elaborates on the story. “[Both concepts] showcase the breadth of our future BMW model line-up,” says BMW chairman Oliver Zipse, ”reflecting the variety of all the models that customers want today and in the future – from a sporty sedan and all its derivatives, to a modern SAV family.”

The Neue Klasse X is a medium-sized SAV with similar proportions to the sedan introduced last September. They share a platform and, though showcasing different typologies, there are still some similarities to be found. Each has a large glasshouse, a wraparound front fascia with dual angled lights, and similar elements on the ultra-modern interior.

The kidney grille, missing on the sedan, makes a return with the SAV, this time as a vertical, slimmed down element in the nose of the vehicle, a welcome change from the gaping maws that menaced passers-by in the last few models. The kidneys are ringed with an LED light signature that might offend purists, but actually sets off the grille nicely against the remainder of the front mask. These light up as the driver approaches, and combined with the angular headlights provide quite a unique down-the-road graphic.

The glasshouse is larger and lighter than recent BMW offerings, and combined with the panoramic roof it provides a great sense of openness inside. Hopefully this translates well into the production version without the necessity for a heavier roof structure for safety and strength.

Inside, the openness provided by the glasshouse is matched by the simplicity and clarity of the instrumentation and controls, which seem to fade largely into the background. The jaunty parallelogram central touch screen makes another appearance here. Like the sedan, the Panoramic Vision strip shows information at the base of the windscreen and is augmented by the HUD.

Much of the interface with the car is handled by voice controls, alongside touch buttons at the steering wheel and the central screen. The steering wheel itself is of new design with a crossbar on the interior of the wheel and fingertip controls at the ready.

The driving/riding experience is also enhanced by the implementation of BMW’s bespoke Hypersonx Wheel allows for a personalised sound and in concert with the colours of the panoramic display. Rolling disco, concert hall, or jazz club – your choice.

BMW has championed a circular economy for automotive parts, and each generation of concept vehicles is an exercise in renewable and recycled materials. The seats and interior surfaces of the Neue Klasse X are no exception, with “Verdana”, a plant- and mineral-based material with no petroleum content used on surfaces, and environmentally friendly fabrics employed on the seats.

An advanced driver assistance system, hinted at in the sedan launch, was outlined in more detail. BMW has four new supercomputers, or super-brains, which will control all systems and work in concert, particularly on an enhanced driving experience – some of which is ADAS and some of which approaches full autonomy – although BMW still plans on maintaining its status as “the ultimate driving machine.”

“Neue Klasse means BMW driving at an even higher level,” explained Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development. “The BMW of the future will have four high-performance computers working smartly together on what, up until now, was processed separately. We developed the first super-brain completely in-house. It integrates the entire powertrain and driving dynamics with up to ten times more computing power.”

“The second super-brain will enable the next quantum leap in automated driving,” Weber continued. “Going forward, we will combine four key control units in a single high-performance computer. The result will be more dynamic performance, more precision, more efficiency and even more fun to drive.”

Range and efficiency have been greatly improved with the Neue Klasse technology suite, which includes BMW’s sixth generation e-drive technology.

Circular batteries in the battery pack instead of the cellular ones that powered previous generations will prove more powerful. An upgrade to an 800-volt system allows for faster charging – some 300km of range in just ten minutes, at the right station – and a maximum range of about 500km (Los Angeles to Las Vegas on one charge was noted as a possibility). Additional improvements in materials and various powertrain components, plus a 20% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency over previous models, help to extend the range.

Is the Vision Neue Klasse X the SUV (or SAV) of the future? For BMW it certainly is, and it ties in neatly with the Vision Neue Klasse sedan introduced last Fall. Both draw on historic BMW design cues without being overtly “retro”.

They are future-facing vehicles, ones that will serve the brand very well and preview a multitude of vehicles to come.