KLASSE CAPTAIN

The sister car to the sedan unveiled at the 2023 IAA Mobility Show, BMW’s Vision Neue Klasse X concept has a significant role to play in the evolution of one of the brand’s best-selling product lines.

- Ian McLaren

As the star of the 1961 Frankfurt Motor Show, the broad mandate of the BMW 1500 sedan was to showcase a fresh start for its Munich-based maker. In dire need of both financial impetus and a clearer direction in terms of a disjointed product portfolio that spanned from a 'Bubble' car to the low-slung 507 sportscars, BMW's Neue Klasse (new class) introduced well-considered, practical dimensions with a new design language and fresh thinking in terms of engineering, production and mechanicals.

Acknowledging what then proved to be a pivotal moment in the history of the BMW brand, the new Vision Neue Klasse concept models - including the sedan and recently released, raised-ride-height X derivative showcase a watershed moment for the firm as it aligns itself to embrace an altogether more efficient future. In a full-circle moment, this includes a modern interpretation of the now signature 'Hofmeister Kink' C-Pillar design that debuted on the 1961 show car.

The Neue Klasse project is the realisation of the biggest single investment in BMW's history and will play a pivotal role in its future.

THE PLAN

While it's yet to be confirmed what model name the Vision Neue Klasse sedan will adopt (possibly a revival of the i3 nameplate), the Neue Klasse X will effectively become the next all-electric iX3 in 2025. This product will be sold alongside a soon-to-be-unveiled, all-new CLAR-platform X3 SUV range that will continue to be marketed with a choice of modern internal combustion and hybrid powertrains. Plant Rosslyn in South Africa is already tooling up to remain a key assembly line for this product.