Battery-electric powertrains at heart of BMW’s next-generation mid-size sedan and SUV due in 2026
The volume-selling BMW 3 Series and X3 SUV will spearhead the most expensive and wide-ranging new model overhaul in the German brand’s history, which is based around the all-new Neue Klasse (New Class) platform architecture.
In an interview with journalists, including carsales, BMW’s global development boss Frank Weber said the two all-important medium-sized cars were at the centre of its model renewal program, with both expected to emerge overseas by mid-decade ahead of an Australian launch in 2026.
“Neue Klasse … goes right into the middle of the brand – 3 Series, X3, high-volume [cars] from the beginning,” he said.
Leveraging BMW’s new sixth-generation ‘eDrive’ technology, the incoming BMW i3 and iX3 promise to deliver significant gains in battery-electric efficiency, range and charging.
“We are rolling out derivatives on Neue Klasse that we have never done before within 18 months,” said Weber.
“The technology that Neue Klasse is providing to BMW goes into the entire portfolio.
“[It’s] the biggest financial commitment that we ever made.”
Weber added that the next-gen 3 Series and X3 will be completely new from the ground up.
“Not a single part is carried over from anything we have today into Neue Klasse,” he said.
Weber has made it clear that the next-generation BMW M3 super-sedan will be offered in all-electric form and that “we are 100 per cent committed to a better future and we are preparing ourselves for high-volume [EV] rollout”.
BMW 3 Series and X3 to be transformed by ‘Neue Klasse’ platform
Battery-electric powertrains at heart of BMW’s next-generation mid-size sedan and SUV due in 2026
The volume-selling BMW 3 Series and X3 SUV will spearhead the most expensive and wide-ranging new model overhaul in the German brand’s history, which is based around the all-new Neue Klasse (New Class) platform architecture.
In an interview with journalists, including carsales, BMW’s global development boss Frank Weber said the two all-important medium-sized cars were at the centre of its model renewal program, with both expected to emerge overseas by mid-decade ahead of an Australian launch in 2026.
“Neue Klasse … goes right into the middle of the brand – 3 Series, X3, high-volume [cars] from the beginning,” he said.
Leveraging BMW’s new sixth-generation ‘eDrive’ technology, the incoming BMW i3 and iX3 promise to deliver significant gains in battery-electric efficiency, range and charging.
