BMW ushers in the Vision Neue Klasse X

The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X is a conceptual preview of the all-electric Neue Klasse SUV that the Bavarian company plans to start mass-producing next year.

The newcomer sports a coupe-like profile with edgy wheel arches. BMW claims it has 20% less drag than the marque’s other recent SUVs. The interior is minimalistic and features a new steering wheel, an unusual display in the middle and a heads-up display spanning the entire windshield width. The iDrive controller is nowhere to be seen, replaced with buttons on the steering wheel. Among other functions, there is a button for adjusting the fake engine soundtrack.

The ultrawide Panoramiс Vision display seen here will be available when the SUV reaches the market, the company says. It looks like it can replace the entire dashboard. As for the trimming materials, they are partially derived from plant fiber and synthetic materials woven from reprocessed fishing nets.

All detailed parameters remain to be revealed. BMW promises a 30% improvement in electric driving range thanks to the eDrive technology upgraded to its sixth generation. This is made possible thanks to round power cells in the battery pack replacing the old prismatic design for 20% improved power storage density. In turn, support for 800V charging should reduce waiting times by 30%. BMW says just 10 minutes spent plugged into a sufficiently powerful station will give you 300 km (186 miles) of range.