Car Industry Executive from BMW: No Room for Errors in Automobile Sector
BMW is gearing up for an electrifying future as the automaker prepares to introduce the Neue Klasse, a complete overhaul of its lineup. This ambitious project marks a significant step towards a fully electric era for the core BMW brand.
The focus of the Neue Klasse is on electric vehicles (EVs), with the electric BMW i3 (reusing the iconic name for an electric 3 series expected by 2025/2026) and the iX5 set to continue the electric revolution in 2026. BMW's goal is to have EVs account for 50% of total sales by 2030, aiming for over 10 million fully electric vehicles sold by this date.
While EVs will lead the way in the Neue Klasse, the iDrive X and fresh design will also be applied to combustion cars. The next-gen X5 will also be released on the combustion side in 2026, and a new 3 Series is planned for the same year.
BMW is bringing back the Neue Klasse, a risky decision according to CEO Oliver Zipse, but doing nothing seemed even riskier. Last year, electric cars from BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royse made up just 17.4% of shipments.
The new iX3 is debuting next week, marking the start of BMW's electric revolution. BMW continues to update its current gasoline- and diesel-powered models, with the iX1 remaining the automaker's entry-level EV for now.
In addition to the announced models, unconfirmed EVs include an iX7 in 2027 and possibly an iX6 in 2028. There could also be an i3 Touring for wagon enthusiasts, along with an iX4 and a large 'rugged' SUV.
BMW's commitment to electric vehicles doesn't mean they're abandoning traditional powertrains. The automaker plans to continue using inline-six and V8 powertrains in addition to EVs. Reports also suggest that four-cylinder engines may be part of BMW's future plans, with some potentially ending up in vehicles manufactured by Mercedes.
The Neue Klasse is BMW's largest single investment to date, signifying the automaker's commitment to a sustainable and electrified future. As BMW moves forward with its ambitious plans, we can expect to see more exciting announcements in the coming years.
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