BMW unveiled a development vehicle for its new BMW Neue Klasse on Saturday, positioning it as the company’s future standard. This camouflaged vehicle is more than just a test mule; it showcases design and technology likely to be revealed soon.
BMW officially stated that this prototype is not a production model. It is a rolling testbed used to develop next-generation driving dynamics technology. The vehicle is designed to test various electronic systems that ensure driver safety while maintaining the signature BMW feel in the Neue Klasse’s electric vehicle (EV) architecture.
Living up to BMW’s reputation for exhilarating performance, this car boasts impressive output figures. It generates a mind-boggling 13,269 lb-ft (17,990 Nm, 1,834.46 kg.m) of torque. Even considering the unique characteristics of EVs, this output is practically laboratory-level. This figure likely represents wheel torque rather than crankshaft torque.
Another standout feature is the “Heart of Joy” lighting system. As BMW continues to innovate with lighting, this system uses wheel illumination to indicate vehicle status: green for acceleration, blue for energy recovery, and orange when using friction brakes. The system reflects vehicle parameters with millimeter-level precision and interfaces with the onboard computer for precise motion control.
The interior showcases the BMW Panoramic iDrive, first unveiled at CES 2025 in January. This technology package, already slated for production, includes four key innovations: panoramic vision, a 3D head-up display, a center display featuring matrix backlight technology, and a new multifunction steering wheel.
According to BMW, the Neue Klasse concept represents a shift towards minimal driver intervention, a departure from the company’s long-standing “Ultimate Driving Machine” ethos. As the need for new driving modes becomes apparent, BMW faces the challenge of balancing its performance heritage with future mobility trends, sparking excitement and apprehension among enthusiasts and industry observers.
