BMW Neue Klasse (new EV platform, factory, battery plant)

munchkin_utd · 03-09-2023 9:01pm #1

Funny it’s not mentioned here yet that in advance of the IAA motor show in Munich next week BMW has released info on its new full EV platform “neue klasse” (which was also the name for their breakthrough platform in the 60s to go from making bubble cars to proper cars )

Prior to this they were loath to dedicate a plant or platform to EVs, instead wanting the have both ICE and ev drive manufactured and designed in parallel, but now they have taken the leap and are investing (real investment , not ryanair style sh1te talk ) in a dedicated Ev plant in Debrecen in hungary AND a cell manufacturing plant nearby to compliment that. It’s at least a billion in plant investment and a whole heap more in development costs . Not sure what this means for the German production plants down the line (with lads on near 100grand on the production line) but that’s a whole other debate .

Theres to be a widescreen (entire with of the car) intelligent head up display and the I drive is ditched. There’ll be barely any knobs except on the steering wheel. They are flagging a 30% increased battery capacity and 30% quicker charging

the prototype design itsself is very aerodynamic and is distinctively a bmw but in a Tesla-esque way. The platform will also allow variations including estate down the line (yay…. If only it were to be actually affordable)

It’s the sort of bold move that’s the only way that european manufacturers can compete with the chinese

(article in German but it’s the most detailed one I’ve seen so far)

https://www.golem.de/news/bmw-vision-neue-klasse-alles-an-dem-auto-ist-neu-2309-177274.html

listermint · 03-09-2023 9:04pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058312100/bmw-neue-klasse-new-ev-platform-factory-battery-plant

Can they not make them **** looking their entire new range is ugly as sin. Rats nose on them.

liamog · 03-09-2023 9:07pm

It’s the sort of bold move that’s the only way that european manufacturers can compete with the chinese

Can we really call it a bold move, Mercedes and VW have already gone much further down the electrification effort. Sounds more like doing the minimum necessary. Maybe if they'd have done this in 2018 we'd of called it bold.

kanuseeme · 03-09-2023 9:25pm

Won't make it to production, some one will stick a grill on the front of it, about 50% bigger than the current model.

I could not get over the distinct lack of metal in anything above the window sill, can't wait till roofs and windows start exploding from stress or a stone chip.

unkel · 03-09-2023 11:50pm

When I saw a vid on it yesterday, I couldn't get over how the interior setup is exactly like a Tesla Model 3 (launched 2016). Not sure what to make of the design, kind of ok I guess. The hip line is really low

@munchkin_utd - "Prior to this they were loath to dedicate a plant or platform to EVs, instead wanting the have both ICE and ev drive manufactured and designed in parallel"

It was a financial necessity. After years of bullying the electric "i" division by that imbecile Harald Krüger, they could no longer afford to develop an BEV only platform

MojoMaker · 04-09-2023 8:24am

Hip-line ruins that sillhouette for me. Dedicated platform welcomed but IMO they need to go back to the drawing board with that design.

the_amazing_raisin · 04-09-2023 8:30am

Maybe they'll implement a system where the driver gets an electric shock when they forget to indicate or park across 2 spaces

We'd probably just end up with a bunch of masochistic BMW drivers then 😂

unkel · 04-09-2023 8:56am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121066534#Comment_121066534

😮

I could live with that, as long as we get to keep the BMW lane on the motorway.

listermint · 04-09-2023 9:01am

Having relooked at the design. I definitely hate it. But it has a strong bang of alfa off of it. 156 for example.

eagerv · 04-09-2023 9:14am

Does anyone see the look of the old 2002 in it? The reverse sloping frontal area, sloping down boot, low window line and side window shape.

04-09-2023 9:21am

The glasshouse harks back to the likes of 2002 which had absolutely huge amount of glass and skinny pillars. I hope this "looking back" means the absurd grilles will be gone for good. Will be great for the company to get dedicated EV platform(s) again.