BMW has just launched iX and i4 electric vehicles. They will soon add an electric version of the current 3-Series. In fact, they will be superseding in the second half of the decade by a new generation of BMW electrics. They will be referring to as the Neue Klasse.
BMW: Highly Flexible Modular Platform
Based on the highly flexible modular platform, the Neue Klasse is designing primarily for electric vehicles but is also capable of supporting vehicles with internal combustion engines. In fact, this platform is going to replace the front-wheel-drive FAAR and rear-wheel-drive CLaR platforms that are presently using by BMW and are confirming by the automaker to spawn its first vehicle in 2025.
It was reported that the first vehicle, code-named the NK1, is going to be the next-generation 3-Series. This new 3-Series is reportedly going to offer the choice of electric or internal combustion power though the two variants, while similar are styling on the outside. They will be very different underneath.
Internal-Combustion Engines
Neue Klasse vehicles with internal combustion engines are primarily going to be plug-in hybrids. They will come with a combustion component up front and an electric drive system at the rear. There is no driveshaft that is requiring. The cabins will benefit from a flat floor. Moreover, engines are likely going to be featuring transverse mounting. The BMW’s traditional inline-6 could be too long to fit in the Neue Klasse platform. However, performance is not going to be an issue, though.
BMW Turbocharged Inline
As early as 2014, the BMW did show off a concept with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 up front and a pair of electric motors at the rear. This was rating at a combining 670 hp. Moreover, BMW’s sixth-generation electric motors debuted in the Neue Klasse platform. It will be much more efficient and powerful than those that were using in the 2014 concept.
Engineers will be stretching the wheelbase and that was told about the new platform. Moreover, vehicles are also going to take on a more aerodynamic design to help to maximize the range. However, as a result, the proportions differ from the past. Though it’s not for aerodynamics also boosts the interior space.
