Short overhangs. Minimal, minimal, function-oriented styling. Driver focused interior. These are attributes of all the best classic BMWs that we haven’t seen much of in years. However, based on what we’ve seen and what we’ve heard, this is all about to change.

At its core, BMW could always trace its products back to engineering-led decisions that put driving experience ahead of most other attributes. Without that, you end up with products like the front-wheel-drive-based 2 Series Gran Coupe. Badge-engineered product that’s genuinely a good car, but it does not feel like a BMW behind the wheel. Nor does it look like a BMW at all glance with long overhangs and clearly front-wheel-drive proportions.

The good news is that BMW isn’t immune to this criticism. And when we’ve spoken to the people behind the cars, they often profess their love for models like the E21 and E30. They reference the E46 as a classic and often pay homage to the 2002. In our conversations with designers, engineers, and product managers working on the next generation of BMWs, it’s clear that inspiration from the past is directly influencing next-generation BMWs.

This will begin with the Neue Klasse generation of electric vehicles. Based on what we know, the Neue Klasse family of vehicles will be a return to form for BMW in terms of a more driver-focused engineering and design ethos.

Sadly this is not a manual transmission, naturally aspirated, inline six-powered family of cars. But the Neue Klasse family of products will be modern electric cars that rethink the concept of the ultimate driving machine in electric form while paying homage to the models that BMW is today.

What is the BMW Neue Klasse?

The Neue Klasse family is really a modular architecture combined with next-generation processing power, battery tech, and electric engines that signal a seismic shift for BMWs. These will be the brand’s first attempt at a truly ground-up electric family of vehicles (not counting the stopgap iX), meant to take on the world’s best.

Most importantly to us, they are doing that by relying on classic BMW brand attributes like short overhangs, function-oriented styling, and even a driver-focused interior. We can see all of this in the Vision Neue Klasse concept from last year and this year’s Neue Klasse X concept.

Hands-on With the Neue Klasse Concepts

Walking up to the Neue Klasse almost feels like a refined version of the E21 or even E30. It has a scale and proportion that we’re not used to anymore. It’s not necessarily small, but the designers have created a car with a shape and proportion that visually makes it shrink in scale.

The A and B pillars are smaller than we’ve seen since the E46. As opposed to the current 4 Series and other BMWs, there’s an angular design philosophy that feels unique and classic BMW. More importantly they offer better sight-lines for the driver and airy cabins for passengers.

The Vision Neue Klasse X takes this design language and brings it to a crossover. For one, I was immediately struck by the size of the concept. We’re used to the next generation of every car noticeably growing in every dimension. However, this concept felt smaller than the current X3 in its presence. BMW hasn’t released the dimensions, but the effect of this new design language and what an EV drivetrain allows in cabin design has resulted in a car that feels smaller even if it’s not. Somehow, BMW designers have created a crossover with a shape and proportion that almost make it shrink in scale.

But this nod to the past isn’t pervasive. Gone is the chrome that has been on BMWs for over a hundred years now. In its place, BMW is adding gloss black and subtle lighting, which creates a cleaner, more modern look. But perhaps one of the most bold changes BMW designers have made is to drop the belt line where the windows meet the top of the door. This creates an interior that is brighter and more driver-focused with much better sightlines.

Naturally, there’s much more to the Neue Klasse success than just design. Performance, range, and pricing will be key. But from what we’ve seen and what we’ve heard from sources, there’s a clear philosophy from BMW designers and engineers to embrace the brand’s past with these new cars as the brand embarks on its electric evolution.

The new iDrive With Panoramic Vision

For many the biggest revolution will be inside where BMW will radically replace it’s current IDrive system with one that includes the Panoramic Vision. Even this change is driven by a desire to make the current infotainment experience more driver oriented.

There are three key components to this innovative; a There are three key components to this innovation: a trapezoidal-shaped display that’s canted towards the driver, the panoramic display, and an optional 3D (augmented reality) heads-up display.

The change is driven by BMW wanting to reduce the size of the screens inches from the driver’s face and out them closer to the road. An entirely new concept, this new iDrive reimagines the idea of infotainment with an eye towards simplicity and a more driver focused experience. And in our early experience, it does just that. Read more of our first experience with the new iDrive here.

Internal Combustion BMWs to See Design Changes

These design changes will be mirrored on ICE cars as well. BMW will be leveraging a modified CLAAR platform for future internal combustion cars while attempting to mimics the styling changes we will see on the Neue Klasse EVs. This will include the radically new infotainment system which is coming to all BMWs.

The Time Table for BMW’s Revolution

BMW will be aggressively moving its EV range onto the Neue Klasse platform. Here’s a rundown of what to expect when:

2026: The first Neue Klasse vehicles, the i3 Sedan and iX3, will be released. Pre-production begins late this year, and customer vehicles may be available in late 2025 but more likely early 2026.

2027: The iX1 will be released. It’s also rumored the MINI Countryman EV will switch to the Neue Klasse platform near this timeframe.

2027: The Neue Klasse M3 will be released (ZA0)

2028: The i4 Coupe and i4 Convertible will be released. The i1 will also be released in 2028.  

Before 2030: The i5 will be released.