The Bavarians promise longer range, lower prices and faster charging. But will the new generation really put BMW at the top of the electric game or just catch up?
BMW has been talking about the future of electric mobility for years, but the reality is that they have Tesla, Hyundai, Kia and its Chinese rivals have overtaken it on all fronts. Instead of setting trends, they have mostly followed. New platform BMW Neue Klasse now everything is about to change.
The first models are due in 2025, which sounds promising, but the fact is that many competitors are already deep into their second or third generation of electric models. BMW was once considered a pioneer of electrification with the futuristic i3, but then enthusiasm waned. Instead of aggressively developing the next level of electric mobility, they launched models that were simply electrified versions of existing models. Now they claim that the new generation will be cheaper, more efficient and faster. But does this mean that BMW will finally catch up with the competition, or is it just catching up with what it should have done years ago? Will it do it with BMW New Class.
New generation of batteries: more range, lower costs
One of the biggest changes is the switch from prismatic to cylindrical battery cells. These are more compact, allow for higher energy density and lower production costs. BMW will use cells measuring 46 mm in diameter and 95 or 120 mm in height, similar to those Tesla has been using for several years.
The Bavarians promise up to 900 kilometers of range according to the optimistic WLTP standard, with a realistic figure closer to 700 kilometers. A key advantage of the new platform is also the 800-volt architecture, which allows for significantly faster charging. Under optimal conditions, it will be possible to gain up to 300 kilometers of range in 10 minutes.
With the new battery pack concept, BMW is reducing its dependence on expensive materials such as nickel and cobalt, which should reduce production costs. batteries reduced by 50 percentHowever, Munich is not promising that electric models will become significantly cheaper, only that they will be less expensive to produce.
Electric motors: more power and less consumption
BMW is introducing different types of electric motors in the new generation. Externally excited synchronous motors (EESM) will be installed on the rear axle, available in various capacities from 268 to 402 horsepower. Asynchronous motors (ASM) will be installed at the front, if necessary, which are cheaper and more effective in regenerative braking.
The new design also allows for configurations with three or even four motors, which could theoretically deliver more than 1,200 horsepower in the most powerful versions. However, BMW remains cautious about making specific predictions, preferring to emphasize that the motors will be lighter and 20 percent cheaper than current solutions.
The question remains, however, how this will affect the overall weight of the car. BMW's electric models, such as the iX and i4, are among the heaviest in their segment, and while the new powertrain promises to shed pounds, we shouldn't expect a big difference.
Smarter electronics and better serviceability
A major innovation in the Neue Klasse architecture is the Energy Master system. It is an electronic control module that will take care of powering all systems and monitoring the battery pack. BMW claims that this approach will enable more efficient energy management and extend battery life.
Another big advantage is improved serviceability. Currently, many electronic components are built directly into the battery pack, meaning that in the event of a problem, the entire unit must be replaced. However, with the new generation, individual parts will be easier to repair or replace, which could reduce maintenance costs.
Will BMW finally be price competitive?
Despite all the technical improvements, BMW admits that price parity with gasoline models is not yet in sight. Production costs are falling, but not fast enough for the prices of electric models to drop significantly.
At the same time, questions remain open regarding geopolitical factors, as production prices are heavily dependent on trade agreements, tariffs and subsidies. BMW is prepared to respond to this with six different battery production locations, meaning that European models will use different battery cells than American or Asian models.
But the key question remains – why would a buyer choose a BMW over a Tesla or Hyundai? The Model Y is already affordable and offers very good range and fast charging, while the Korean models bring technological advancements and aggressive pricing. BMW is relying on its premium identity, but will that be enough?
Revolution or just catching up?
The Neue Klasse will undoubtedly be one of the biggest changes in BMW's history, but the impression remains that the brand is more about catching up with the competition than setting new standards.
The technological advances are obvious, but most of the improvements are not revolutionary, but simply BMW's entry into a game where others have been around for a long time. If this platform had been introduced five years ago, the excitement would have been much greater. But today it's more a question of whether BMW will be fast enough to catch up with the leaders.
The first models of the new generation arrive in 2025, and while they promise a lot, BMW will have to work hard to convince customers who have already lost patience in recent years. In the end, the market will decide - and the market is ruthless in the world of electric cars.