Skip advert
Advertisement

This BMW SUV will form the technical basis for the next 3-series

BMW’s Neue Klasse EV technology will underpin everything from SUVs to a future all-electric M3

BMW is preparing for a paradigm shift in its design and technology direction, with a series of ‘Neue Klasse’ EV models scheduled to release from 2025. The Vision Neue Klasse concept – a precursor to the next 3-series – has already been unveiled, but these spy shots provide a first look at one of the firm’s next generation production cars. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

This mid-sized SUV appears to be an all-electric X3 replacement, and will be one of the first models to debut with the Neue Klasse architecture along with an electric 3-series. As we’ve previously reported, this will spawn a battery-powered M3 in due course. 

There are glimmers of Neue Klasse design cues beneath the camouflage of this prototype, with the front fascia split into two glass sections to house the headlights, just as in the Vision Neue Klasse saloon. The proportions and swept back windscreen are closer to BMW’s iX than the more upright X3, but the Neue Klasse SUV will feature a few nods to tradition – including a Hofmeister kink in the side glass.

BMW’s new EV architecture will arrive with a host of efficiency advancements, courtesy of the firm’s sixth-generation eDrive technology. The electric motors will be optimised for weight, rolling resistance and heat management to eke out more range, working with more energy-dense round battery cells. Compared to current BMWs, charging speeds and range will improve by up to 30 per cent.

Inside, the iDrive technology suite will also evolve with the introduction of BMW Panoramic Vision – a low profile display that spans the base of the windscreen to offer driving, media and navigation info. This will work with a traditional head-up display and a central touchscreen, which can be navigated using BMW’s voice-operated virtual assistant. 

Expect the covers to come off the new SUV in 2025, with a further six Neue Klasse models launching over the following two years.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

The EU is considering banning carbonfibre, but BMW has other ideas
BMW natural fibre composite
News

The EU is considering banning carbonfibre, but BMW has other ideas

BMW has developed a new type of eco-friendly composite, just as European Parliament has proposed limiting the use of carbonfibre in road cars
23 Jun 2025
Best BMW M cars – the ultimate driving machines
Best BMW M cars
Best cars

Best BMW M cars – the ultimate driving machines

M is one of the fastest letters in the motoring alphabet. We pick our favourites from over 50 years of BMW M icons
20 Jun 2025
New BMW Concept Speedtop: ultimate V8 estate unveiled 
BMW Concept Speedtop
News

New BMW Concept Speedtop: ultimate V8 estate unveiled 

BMW doubles down on the fast estate with the Concept Speedtop, an ultra-exclusive V8 special destined for Villa d'Este
23 May 2025
BMW might be about to revive the Z3 M Coupe ‘clownshoe’
BMW Z3 M Coupe teaser
News

BMW might be about to revive the Z3 M Coupe ‘clownshoe’

A new Z3 M-inspired shooting brake will be unveiled at Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este later this month – here’s a sneak peek
20 May 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

TVR: Why we think it’s all over
TVR Griffith
Opinion

TVR: Why we think it’s all over

There’s barely a flicker of life when it comes to TVR and the ‘new’ Griffith. We can only fear the worst
17 Jul 2025
Save £30k on a new Range Rover and buy a Renault 5 with the savings!
Range Rover
News

Save £30k on a new Range Rover and buy a Renault 5 with the savings!

Discounts on new Range Rovers are so big you could buy a new Renault 5 with the money you save…
15 Jul 2025
​Best hot hatchbacks 2025 – affordable new performance cars
Best hot hatchbacks 2025
Best cars

​Best hot hatchbacks 2025 – affordable new performance cars

Contracted though the hot hatch market may be, there are still some great models out there, from the electric Alpine A290 to the five-cylinder Audi RS…
14 Jul 2025