BMW Vision Neue Klasse previews i3 sedan, and many more

The Vision Neue Klasse concept not only highlights BMW's step-by-step transformation from combustion engines to EVs – it also takes digitalisation and circularity to a new level.

Vision Circular Vision Dee, Vision Neue Klasse - three concept cars in only two years, with one consistent claim: BMW is fully committed to an emission-free future.

So are the other key players in the car industry, of course, but the Bavarian Mobility Wizards (™ G Kacher? - Ed.) are quick to point out that the models destined to roam the roads of tomorrowland do not only qualify as planet savers, but also as personalised ultimate driving machines.

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Vision Circular (left) and Vision Dee

Vision Circular was the first to introduce eye-catching redesigned front and rear ends defined not merely by lights, kidney and grille

The evolution of these concepts is clear: Vision Circular lifted the art of recycling to a new level; Vision Dee introduced the panoramic head-up display along with an on-demand low-voltage colour-changing paint substitute dubbed E Ink; and now Vision Neue Klasse is about to showcase an advanced cell-to-pack architecture crammed with breakthrough technologies in a fresh low-drag signature wrapping.

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Vision Circular was the first to introduce eye-catching redesigned front and rear ends defined not merely by lights, kidney and grille but by fully integrated free-form display areas conceived to contain headlamps, taillights and supporting graphic elements.

Vision Dee packaged these themes in a larger three-box body the proportions of which bore a strong resemblance to that other model which pulled BMW back from the brink, the 1502-2002tii built between 1966 and 1977.

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In a third step, Vision Neue Klasse blows up this unmistakable contemporary DNA to the 4750mm footprint of a 3 Series saloon.

But wait a minute – is this segment not already spoken for with the i4? It is, and it isn’t – because the i4 GranCoupé still uses the older CLAR WE conversion platform which also underpins the 7 Series & i7, along with the X1/iX1 & X3/iX3.

Starting in 2025, however, all future BMW EVs will eventually move to a dedicated architecture no longer capable of accommodating ICE or PHEV applications. This matrix will, over a period of almost four years, be introduced in four different formats: NA (3 & 4 Series and X3/X4), NB (1 & 2 Series and X1/X2), NC (5 & 6 Series and X5/X6) and ND (7 & 8 Series, X7, XM and Alpina).

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BMW Group design chief Adrian van Hooydonk describes his team’s latest effort as "sporty, compact and elegant. A set of characteristic lines and surfaces compiles a subtle and unpretentious shape with nicely balanced proportions.”

Despite Munich being one of Germany’s more conservative cities, van Hooydonk cheekily adds: “We consider ourselves to be the southernmost German car manufacturer – which explains why the Neue Klasse strives to capture the cool ease and expertly crafted lightness typical of the great Italian design houses like Giugiaro, Frua, Bertone, Michelotti and Pininfarina all of whom have done work for us in the past."

The most evident homage to the brand history is the forward-slanting sharknose front end, a must-have cue since the iconic 1956 BMW 507 penned by Graf Goertz.

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But, for the first time, individual giveaways like the four round headlamps and the air intakes on both sides of the trademark kidney are compiled in a single area – which also houses cameras, radar and infrared sensors.

Cooling is now by means of two upright lateral ducts, a large centre horizontal aperture in the lower bumper section and a brace of underfloor scoops. A similar design theme was conceived for the rear end, where the typical L-shaped taillights have given way to an animated full-width light bar which varies in colour, depth and intensity. Nose and tail can stage various visual enactments from subtle and subdued, to dynamic and sporty.

Some orchestrations are by law at this point restricted to parked vehicles, while others can be triggered on the move – like when the car is communicating to pedestrians, cyclists or other road users.

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In a next step, the coated rear side windows can become temporary multi-purpose message boards

A brief change in illumination from defensive to striking does for instance beat flashing the guy ahead; momentary visual interactions can make pedestrian crossings a much safer place; the taillights double as on-demand state-of-charge indicators; and moving spotlights on both sides of the car welcome driver and passenger, or see them off safely.

Although the dramatic low-voltage E Ink technology which allows the concept’s body colour to change at the push of a button is still about five years away from production, certain applications – like sensor surfaces which highlight the touch-sensitive door openers – are already part of the Neue Klasse textbook. In a next step, the coated rear side windows can become temporary multi-purpose message boards.

Individual flair can be applied at both ends, too. The M and M Performance models will still feature bespoke panels with a more sporting look, but for regular models, there can be unique front and rear signature graphics and lighting effects.

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Kacher gets to grips with BMW's new direction

Inside the Vision Neue Klasse sedan

BMW’s infotainment controller went from weird addition to addictively popular and capable – just in time for it to be phased out.

When BMW introduced the first iDrive system back in 2001, the ‘upside-down espresso cup’ controller was at least as controversial and polarising as the beaver-teeth grille of the current 4 Series or the stacked headlamps of the 7.

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Over 20 years later, the eventually popular rotary controller is on its way out again as a mushrooming mix of large displays and touchscreens supported by voice and gesture commands rings in the next chapter of BMW’s infotainment journey.

Knobs, switches and buttons remain a no-go in the Neue Klasse, and the main monitor is unfortunately still not fully adjustable in reach, tilt or format – but compensation arrives in the shape of a 3D-animated and assisted head-up display, a larger centre screen, a less complex multi-functional steering-wheel, and of course the full-width BMW Panoramic Vision which looks a bit like the ticker tape on the bottom of a TV newsreel.

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Does it work?

We don't know yet, but the primary field of vision is uncluttered, the prioritised data flow puts the key information right below the further improved head-up display, and the content can be regrouped or augmented at random from the icon and widget pool by a simple two-finger gesture.

VR enhanced instruments, a more talented Personal Assistant, multi-mood ambient lighting and additional My Modes programmes offer more content, a broader range of options and new feel-good features for a personalised user experience with a twist.

"We don't want high-tech to dominate the cockpit," says Adrian van Hooydonk. "That's why the next-generation iDrive system pioneered by the Neue Klasse offers an even more intuitive and failsafe approach to vehicle ergonomics, which reduces driver distraction – the number one cause of accidents – to an absolute minimum."

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If the few moments I spent inside the Vision Neue Klasse were anything to go by, light is the new chrome, recycled fabric is the new leather and man-made materials are the new wood.

Even though animal hide and timber remain on the option list for the time being, the project team would much rather talk about fishing nets turned into fashionable door panels, and shredded fast-fashion garments resurfacing as lemony-soft second-life corduroy upholstery.

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