BMW India is preparing its new-generation Neue Klasse electric vehicles to the Indian market, with the new BMW iX3 expected to be the first of the new family. The announcement is an important step in the German luxury carmaker’s electric vehicle strategy as it looks to expand its premium EV portfolio in India.
BMW India CEO Hardeep Singh Brar confirmed the company’s plans on World EV Day with the increasing demand for electric luxury vehicles in the country. Brar said that one out of every four BMW cars sold in India is electric now and that EVs are very important to the company at a large scale. The Neue Klasse models will take BMW’s electric vehicle strategy to new heights.
Neue Klasse Brings A New Design And Architecture
The Neue Klasse is more than another range of electric cars for BMW. It introduces a new design direction, vehicle architecture and technology platform that will underpin the company’s next generation of models. BMW will use the architecture for several vehicles in the future with electric powertrains, improved efficiency and more advanced cabin technology among the main highlights.
New Neue Klasse EVs will have a much better driving range with high electric vehicle range of up to 800km on a single charge in the future -- some models to more than 800km on a single charge. This will make it particularly attractive to buy these new models in India, where it is the range and charging infrastructure that is important for EV shoppers.
The new BMW iX3 in India will be the first Neue Klasse model to be released in India. Unlike the standard version sold globally, the Indian-specification version will be a long-wheelbase model. That would provide more room in the back seat and may make the electric SUV more attractive to luxury car buyers looking for rear-seat comfort.
BMW iX3 LWB To Get Large Battery And Dual-Motor Setup
The BMW iX3 LWB will be based around a 108.7kWh battery pack and dual-motor electric powertrain. It is expected to produce around 469hp and 645Nm of torque and have strong performance on the long range with a long-range advantage with the electric SUV.
The new iX3 should also be based on 800V electrical architecture. This will allow for faster charging and better energy management compared to older generation EV platforms. It is expected that DC fast charging in the model can be up to 400kW, but actual charging rates in India will depend on the availability and capability of compatible charging infrastructure.
Internationally, the Neue Klasse iX3 is expected to have a range of around 805km WLTP certified. The final specifications and certification for the Indian market model may differ, but that would make the iX3 one of the most capable long-range luxury electric SUVs.
New Interior And Panoramic Vision Display
BMW is also introducing a much more different cabin experience with its Neue Klasse models. One of the most significant technologies is the panoramic vision display, which is designed to provide key information across the lower section of the windscreen within the driver’s field of vision.
The interior will also be based on BMW’s new design philosophy, and have a cleaner layout and a focus more on digital technology. The company will integrate advanced software and connected features into the Neue Klasse platform and make the cabin experience more technology-centric than what’s happening with existing BMW models.
The iX3 will therefore not simply be an updated version of BMW’s current electric SUV. Rather, it will present the brand’s new design and technology direction to Indian customers.
More Neue Klasse EVs Could Follow
The arrival of the iX3 will likely mark only the beginning of BMW’s Neue Klasse strategy in India. More models based on the new architecture are expected to be introduced in the future with electric vehicles.
BMW already has a growing presence in India’s luxury EV market. The iX1 LWB is one of the best models of the brand while the i5 LWB is now part of its electric offering. Neue Klasse models could strengthen BMW’s position in India’s premium EV market as competition increases.
With luxury carmakers introducing the latest electric technologies in India, BMW’s Neue Klasse range could have an important role to play in the future product strategy of the company. The iX3 (long wheelbase body, large battery, high output and advanced 800V technology) is expected to be a significant addition to the brand’s Indian line-up.
As BMW aims to expand its EV portfolio, more Neue Klasse-based models are expected to follow the iX3. The new generation of electric vehicle technology will give Indian buyers access to BMW’s latest state-of-the-art electric vehicle technology and could help the company to better position itself in the fast-developing premium electric vehicle segment.
