A Huge Tease Is BMW’s Neue Klasse X Concept

BMW gives us a sneak peek at what is probably the upcoming all-electric iX3, which will launch the following year.

According to BMW, the concept’s appearance closely resembles the final model. In fact, a camouflaged SUV that resembled the Neue Klasse X was seen testing in the snow earlier this year. The idea, which was presented to us during a press conference outside of Lisbon, Portugal, boasted amazing detailing. The kidney grille has been reinterpreted as a dynamic, backlit, and illuminated piece that appears as though it may be reached into.

It feels the same with the LED headlights. During the day, the running lights appear to be lighting supports beneath a piece of architecture. Their design exudes movement, much like the red and blue parallelograms that contribute to the creation of BMW’s M emblem. Additionally, as a driver approaches or departs, the headlights and the illuminated kidney grille dance and activate even if they remain still.

The X’s taller sides have a sharper, flatter look above the wheels as compared to the Neue Klasse sedan. The Neue Klasse X concept features staggered tires with 275/35 on the front and 295/35 on the rear, with 22-inch wheels covered in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber. The production vehicle will be different from this concept. Though the wheels are actually just regular lug studs, they have an authentic-looking center-locking lug stud cover on them.

Upon closely examining the Neue Klasse X’s back, one may question how the rear tailgate could be opened without causing a split in the taillights. It doesn’t, actually. A concept’s beauty lies in that. Remarkably, the Neue Klasse X has door handles that resemble those of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, which opens via a tiny winglet on the exterior of the door after being actuated with a touch.

Although the design language of both Vision Neue Klasse ideas is quite evident, the SUV has a considerably more dominating and sculptural appearance and rides higher. Similar to the sedan, the front fascia has been drastically changed. The Vision Neue Klasse X sports a set of lighted kidney grilles that reach down to its front splitter, but the two prototypes have the identical headlamps. According to Car and Driver, the SUV is roughly the same size and form as the present X3, but it has more character thanks to sharper, better-defined lines that also cut drag by 20%. A pair of 22-inch wheels with a geometric pattern resembling that of the sedan concept completes the exterior elements.

The interior is roomy and light-filled. The dashboard is simple and has LED accent lighting up front. At the base of the windshield is a full-width display that shows car information, and in the middle is a touchscreen display with a title. Since the touchscreen controls everything, it is safe to anticipate that this will not sit well with the European New Car Assessment Program. The front and rear seats are covered in Verdura, a textile made of plants and minerals that has a corduroy-like texture. The room feels airy and spacious because of the panoramic roof.

A more sophisticated voice assistant and four "super-brains" in lieu of a traditional engine control unit system are two examples of the concepts' innovative technologies. High-performance computers known as "super-brains" have a lot more processing capacity than the ones that are now employed by BMWs. According to the carmaker, one super-brain would manage the driving dynamics and powertrain, while another will take care of all autonomous driving duties. What the other two will supervise is unknown. Additionally, the Neue Klasse X has an 800-volt design that facilitates quick charging. According to the brand, a ten-minute charge will increase range by 186 miles.