BMW Group has recently announced that it will be commencing trial production of its Neue Klasse models this fall. The first trial production will take place at BMW’s new factory in Debrecen, Hungary, where the paint shop is already up and running. In addition, it is expected that the trial production of the sixth-generation battery systems for these models will begin in China by the end of the year, with full-scale production of the first Neue Klasse model set for 2026 in Shenyang.
The Neue Klasse models are seen as a significant milestone for BMW, showcasing the latest advancements in automotive manufacturing and forward-looking innovation that will shape the brand’s vehicle generations for years to come.
Trial production is a crucial phase before mass production, allowing BMW to fine-tune both products and processes over a period of approximately a year to ensure high production efficiency and product quality.
The Neue Klasse lineup will feature cutting-edge technologies in the electric vehicle market, including the sixth-generation eDrive technology, which offers over a 25% improvement in overall efficiency compared to the previous generation. The battery system, based on cylindrical cells, provides a more than 20% increase in energy density over the previous rectangular cells. The platform for the battery, powertrain, and charging technologies will be upgraded to 800 volts, significantly enhancing DC fast charging efficiency. The high-voltage battery system will charge from 10% to 80% state of charge at least 30% faster than the previous generation.
These models will also showcase BMW’s latest design language and the new BMW iDrive human-machine interface system. The iDrive system features four main interaction interfaces—BMW Panoramic Vision, Central Information Display, 3D Head-Up Display, and the new multifunction steering wheel—aiming to make vehicle interaction more intuitive. This latest iteration of iDrive continues BMW’s driver-centric design philosophy while pushing the boundaries of human-machine interaction.
Overall, the Neue Klasse models represent a leap forward in automotive technology and design, setting the stage for the next generation of BMW vehicles. It’s an exciting time for BMW enthusiasts and electric vehicle enthusiasts alike.
