BMW’s new, upcoming electric SUV has been spotted testing on public roads in Germany, giving us the first glimpse of the dramatic Neue Klasse styling adopted by the brand’s next-generation electric cars in production form.
The electric SUV, which is due to go on sale in 2026, was pictured sporting a camouflage livery that obscured much of its bodywork, although some elements were left on display.
For example, it is apparent that the SUV will feature a new front grille design, similar to that seen on the BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept presented at the Munich motor show earlier this year. New front and rear light designs are also visible, along with new alloy wheels and flush door handles.
BMW’s testing has also given a clue as to the size of the new SUV. Pictured alongside other cars on its public testing route, it’s clear it's similarly proportioned to the BMW iX3 - itself an electric SUV based on the firm’s CLAR platform, shared with the internal-combustion BMW X3. That means it will go on sale as a rival to the upcoming Audi Q6 E-tron and Mercedes EQC SUV.
As for the interior, the yet-to-be-named Neue Klasse SUV will feature a host of new technologies.
Like the Vision Neue Klasse, it will use the highly advanced ninth generation of BMW's iDrive infotainment – complete with panoramic head-up display, gesture-controlled interfaces and voice control – while majoring on sustainability, space and providing a 'warm' and 'familiar' environment, almost unrecognisable from that of BMW's current EVs.
The SUV was shown briefly in a presentation at the unveiling of the dramatic BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept earlier this year.
BMW remains firmly committed to the SUV segment in the future, suggesting electric replacements for the popular X3, X5, X6 and X7 are on the cards. BMW boss Oliver Zipse has already confirmed that BMW will have "six Neue Klasse models in 24 months [from 2025]. From SUV to sedan, we will have something for every customer".
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I see a lot of the iX in the shape of the prototype, which is not necessarily bad, but the iX’s face that the most offensive! What I do find interesting is the shape of the front end, where you automakers going for a shape that falls back and away, in a more rounded fashion, for better aerodynamics. This vehicle, in prototype form at least, has a more upright, almost leaning forward stance! With a number of current vehicles loosing some of the desirable styling as they go from concept to road vehicle (I’m looking at you EQS!), it’s refreshing to think (and I believe many will agree) an automaker would be willing to give up a couple miles of range, to build a beautiful vehicle! Yet, only works if the end result is a vehicle that knocks your socks AND doesn’t sacrifice too much on range. Here’s hoping that BMW can pull that off!
With the advance (?) of EV tech How a Car looks, almost like a White goods( not a racist slur thank you) does the job quietly,and, have you noticed how White coloured cars are getting popular, that's because carmakers are saving money and time painting cars,and as I said, it's what's inside that' matters more these days, we have to accept that this is what transport for the future will be like, the Car we see in the images doesn't give you any idea of what it's going to like, indeed it might end up totally different,either way for me it's how much.
I'm loathe to give up my X2, but, it's about price, asking too much, the car has gone up about five grand in five years, not prepared to ignore that I just repeat buy, but, I might have to because there's nothing out there that isn't EV or hybrid, ours is a petrol car,my Wife isn't keen on EV/hybrid, range anxiety is her main concern, so, good or bad this new class may be, I'll wait and see.
Sorry goodness just what everyone needs yet another bland heavy SUV monster.