Kai Langer, the man heading BMW’s i-car design team, is an ardent advocate for the distinctive design choice of the electric BMW iX SUV’s large grille. Contrary to the common assumption that bigger and louder grilles are targeted towards the Chinese market, Langer argues otherwise. He insists that the grille, in this case, is not merely a grille. It actually serves as a panel for forward-facing sensors that the vehicle’s safety systems utilise. In order to function effectively, it must be appropriately sized and made of specific materials capable of transmitting radar signals. Likewise, it should be resistant to weather effects. Langer fervently asserts that the given design was the optimal solution. He does so whilst displaying an air of enthusiasm that heightens when discussing classic BMW models.
Langer’s design vision for BMW’s futuristic all-electric SUV bears a nod to the 1980s, a reflection of his affinity for classic cars. The result is a concept car known as the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X. This clumsy name signifies that the design is still conceptual (Vision), that it incorporates the same all-electic platform as the chic Neue Klasse saloon concept, and that it is a SUV, and thus forms part of BMW’s thriving X model range that was inaugurated with the original X5 in 1999.
Acceleration in the electrification process within the X model range is evident in the high sales of over twelve million. The clear resemblance to the Neue Klasse saloon concept is seen in the vehicle’s elegant, uncomplicated design, its understated panel work, and the elongated, slender LED light panels in front. These panels serve as both headlights and a refined grille, offering a welcome shift from the towering, narrow grilles of the iX and i4 models, no offence to Langer’s design ethos.
According to the concept model’s digital dashboard, the Neue Klasse X will tout a 600km range on a complete charge – a significant improvement on the iX3’s touted 470km range, which is realistically closer to 400km.
The Neue Klasse X stands apart due to the incorporation of BMW’s traditional pair of kidney grilles located at the centre of its front façade. This feature sets a unique design language, distinct from the saloon model. Langer elucidated that the design direction was inspired by a desire to reimagine BMW’s design aesthetics.
The original 1500 Neue Klasse heralded a new type of dynamic midsize saloon automobile in 1961. In a similar vein, the Neue Klasse X is the modern X range’s dynamic athlete. The new design, according to Langer, exhibits how BMW’s look and feel will evolve. The sedan models will adopt a more distinctive, horizontal appearance, while the X models will have an imposing demeanour, albeit not overly towering as it adversely affects efficiency.
While there does exist a large gap between the glitz of concept shows and the realities of the dealership, Langer assures that Neue Klasse X’s aesthetics are approximately 80% complete. The model is slated to hit markets in 2025, predating the Neue Klasse saloon’s release.
BMW has announced substantial enhancements in battery performance and overall efficiency for the Neue Klasse X, equivalent to the saloon model. A 20% increase in energy density compared to the current BMW iX3’s pack is claimed for the new battery system. This improvement facilitates an accrued range and energy efficiency of 30%.
The X is set to bring about a drastic change in the overall performance of midsized SUVs. It will be developed at the Debrecen manufacturing unit in Hungary beginning from the coming year, and Neue Klasse X’s complete CO2 imprint is projected to be a reduction of 25%, compared to the iX3. BMW’s objective, in addition, is to accomplish a 40% reduction in carbon emissions with respect to its complete supply chain, along with an increase in the usage of recycled material to a 35% proportion of vehicle’s total content.
The interior design of the SUV showcases a marked shift from BMW’s conventional dark and enclosed interior decor. The new look of the interior collectively presents brightness, an inviting atmosphere and is complemented by seat covers of oatmeal hue and orange detailing which gives a subtle throwback to the 1970s style. The low shoulder-line design and wide windows, initially put forth by this concept model, provide an airy, bright and pleasing ambiance which is not frequently seen in BMW’s current production models.
One of the salient features is the integrated broad display screen, termed as the Panoramic Vision Screen, that stretches from one end of the windscreen to the other. This futuristic screen eliminates the need for the driver’s conventional digital display unit and combines the functionality of a head-up display and full-width instrument screen. It links effortlessly with the centrally located infotainment screen of rhombus shape, where icons, functions and displays can be toggled and swiped between the two screens without difficulty.
Neue Klasse’s digital systems have been engineered post comprehensive consultation with 2,000 clients, using information obtained from 10 million linked BMW models, as stated by Reihard Seydel, who leads the UX and UI software design for BMW. He describes these innovative digital systems as “a giant leap forward” and it is anticipated to “revolutionise the driving experience for all occupants. It isn’t just for the driver – it’s for all”.
One of the interesting features meant for the driver is the HypersonX Wheel, which allows change and tuning of the sounds Neue Klasse X projects into the cabin. This feature adds a touch of novelty while more serious enhancements are being implemented in the background.
The digital system’s configuration promotes a “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road” approach. Thankfully, BMW does not subscribe to the dubious promises of “total self-driving” seen in some Tesla models. Instead, they’ve designed the screens, lighting, and audio systems to facilitate a “multi-modal dialogue”, employing a blend of hues, sounds, and visual imagery to keep the driver aware of their surroundings. There have been instances where such features, especially those involved in lane-keeping steering and adaptive cruise control, can be annoying or even divert attention. However, BMW asserts that their system is so well-designed you’ll not feel the urge to disable it.
The innovative electronic groundwork, purported as “revolutionary” by the company, forms an integral part of this design process. It drastically reduces the variety of separate electronic control units usually present in various current vehicles – sometimes exceeding 20 – to merely two. One, somewhat pretentiously termed The Heart of Joy, modifies the manual driving systems, while the other oversees automated driving aids. These embedded systems are claimed to be at least ten times quicker than their predecessors. Their design was not strictly left to software engineers; they also brought in BMW’s expert driver training unit to help devise the system from scratch.
In addition to other benefits, the reduction of multiple ECUs accounts for a significant decrease of around 30 per cent in the vehicle’s internal wiring weight. Each push at the accelerator and steering wheel adjustment doesn’t just modify the electric motors’ actions or the steering rack operation but triggers an interconnected network of subsystems, all aimed at enhancing your driving experience.
Alexander Karajlovic, who supervises the driving experience programme for Neue Klasse vehicles, reveals the impending novelty in the ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ paradigm. He points out that this concept, which originated with the first Neue Klasse 1500, introduced in 1961, is about to be completely revamped by Neue Klasse. Reputed for being athletic, cosy, secure and positive, the ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ concept built a profound link between the driver and the vehicle.
According to Karajlovic, engineers have designed systems that focus on individuals. This is done through comprehensive integration of longitudinal and lateral forces in a digital platform that is wholly developed in-house. Intriguingly, Karajlovic also affirms that the Neue Klasse system can operate with up to four electric motors simultaneously, hinting at the potential future for high-performance M-Sport models.