BMW will launch China-only Neue Klasse electric cars

MUNICH -- BMW will design cars based on its Neue Klasse electric platform specifically for the Chinese market, CEO Oliver Zipse said.

BMW unveiled the Vision Neue Klasse concept previewing its next generation of long range, fast-charging EVs at the IAA Mobility auto show in Munich this month.

Chinese designers at BMW are already developing vehicle variants based on the Neue Klasse specifically for China, Zipse said at the World New Energy Vehicle Congress that was held for the first time outside of China as part of the IAA.

"I cannot reveal too much today, but BMW Design Shanghai is already working on special designs and functions for China-specific models of the New Class," Zipse said.

The first EV based on the Neue Klasse will be a 3 Series-sized sedan that launches in 2025. It will be followed by an SUV.

Neue Klasse cars initially will be built at BMW's new factory at Debrecen, Hungary. Neue Klasse production will follow at BMW's home plant in Munich, Germany and in Shenyang, China in 2026, and in San Luis Potosi, Mexico in 2027.

BMW plans to launch six models based on the Neue Klasse architecture by 2027.

Neue Klasse cars will use new cylindrical batteries said to give 20 percent more energy density than its current prismatic cells, helping to boost driving range by 30 percent.

As part of his keynote speech at the congress, Zipse also said BMW will launch a fuel cell variant based on the Neue Klasse platform.

"The Neue Klasse is not battery-electric-only, it is also zero emissions. What does that mean? Well, we can imagine hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for the Neue Klasse. For us, hydrogen is always part of the equation when we talk about zero-emission vehicles. That is what sets our approach apart from the rest."