Like Stellantis and Mercedes, BMW has also started its electric adventure with multi-energy platforms –this, of course, if we forget the 2013 i3–, capable of housing combustion or electric mechanics and their batteries, so that in order to reduce investments, especially those that imply deep changes in the production lines. But BMW CEO Oliver Zipse promised that in January of next year, the manufacturer will reveal the new platform specifically for battery-powered modelsand it is very likely that it will also offer versions powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, a technology that the Germans are also working on.
Called Neue Klasse (“New Class” in Portuguese), the new platform will no longer predict such a long frontas it is no longer necessary to fit in-line six or V8 engines, allowing for more spacious cabins for the same overall length. It can also be designed to integrate the package of batteriessimultaneously pursuing a reduction in weight and an increase in rigidity, as Tesla already does and VW announced that it intends to embrace it with the next Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which will soon give rise to the electric Audi A6 and Porsche Macan.
After being presented in January 2023, the Neue Klasse will be shown to the public at the International Motor Show (IAA)the German motor show that opens on September 5, which means that BMW will play at home, as this event has been moved from Frankfurt to Munich, where the brand is based. However, to see the first electric vehicles built in the Neue Klasse, we will have to wait until 2025..
Anticipating the brand’s strategy three years from now, Oliver Zipse, in documents associated with first-quarter financial data, stated that “BMW will take a big step forward with the new platform, with Neue Klasse representing what the BMW Group stands for in the future.”. And, meeting the expectations of fans of the brand, the CEO lifted the edge of the veil on what to expect in 2025: “We will start by introducing an electric saloon in the 3 Series segment, as well as a sporty SUV.” In addition to the sedan and the obvious reference to an SUV with coupé shapes, there will surely be more news on the way, since Zipse ensures that “Neue Klasse will represent 50% of group sales (BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce) by 2030″.
The disclosure of this data was accompanied by the announcement that the German group made a pre-tax profit of 24.5% in the first half of 2022, which translated into an increase of 21.6% in the 2nd half alone. quarter of the year. According to BMW, much of the evolution was due to the very positive performance of the Chinese subsidiary BBA.
Source: Observadora
