BMW Neue Klasse SUV begins testing
The first BMW Neue Klasse SUV has rolled off the production line as the German car maker prepares to launch its next generation of EVs.
Testing is now getting underway of the ‘near-series’ prototypes, which represent the next iteration of the iX3 mid-sized SUV.
The rival to the Audi Q4 E-tron and Tesla Model Y is due to go into full production in late 2025 and the new images from BMW mark the first glimpse of the finalised design.
Images of the first cars leaving the production line don’t give much away about the car’s looks. The heavy camouflage makes it difficult to determine how much of the dramatic Vision Neue Klasse X concept will make it to production. The proportions look largely similar but it’s hard to tell if elements such as the illuminated vertical kidney grille and 3D lighting array have made it to the final version.
BMW has remained tight-lipped about technical specifications for the new iX3 but has said that the Neue Klasse platform will use 800V architecture and offer batteries with 20% better energy density than its current packs. That should mean significantly more range from the same sized packs and ultra-rapid charging to compete with the fastest charging models on the market.
As well as testing the new vehicles ahead of their launch, the start of production allows BMW to test new production systems and tools to ensure the plant in Debrecen, Hungary is ready for mass production.
BMW board member for production Milan Nedeljković commented: “The production of the first test vehicles in Debrecen is an important milestone in commissioning the new plant With vehicles now approaching series maturity, all logistics and production processes at the plant are being tested and constantly optimised under real conditions to ensure a smooth start of series production.”
The new iX3 will go into production in late 2025 and will be joined in 2026 by a fully electric 3 Series-sized saloon. BMW aims to have six Neue Klasse EVs on sale by the end of 2027.
