BMW 3 Series and X3 to be transformed by ‘Neue Klasse’ platform

The volume-selling BMW 3 Series and X3 SUV will spearhead the most expensive and wide-ranging new model overhaul in the German brand’s history, which is based around the all-new Neue Klasse (New Class) platform architecture.

In an interview with journalists, including carsales, BMW’s global development boss Frank Weber said the two all-important medium-sized cars were at the centre of its model renewal program, with both expected to emerge overseas by mid-decade ahead of an Australian launch in 2026.

“Neue Klasse … goes right into the middle of the brand – 3 Series, X3, high-volume [cars] from the beginning,” he said.

Leveraging BMW’s new sixth-generation ‘eDrive’ technology, the incoming BMW i3 and iX3 promise to deliver significant gains in battery-electric efficiency, range and charging.

“We are rolling out derivatives on Neue Klasse that we have never done before within 18 months,” said Weber.

“The technology that Neue Klasse is providing to BMW goes into the entire portfolio.

“[It’s] the biggest financial commitment that we ever made.”

Weber added that the next-gen 3 Series and X3 will be completely new from the ground up.

“Not a single part is carried over from anything we have today into Neue Klasse,” he said.

Weber has made it clear that the next-generation BMW M3 super-sedan will be offered in all-electric form and that “we are 100 per cent committed to a better future and we are preparing ourselves for high-volume [EV] rollout”.

However, he insisted that BMW would not put an end date on combustion engines, in stark contrast to the commitments arch-rivals Audi and Mercedes-Benz have made.

Essentially a replacement for the CLAR (cluster architecture) platform that’s on its way out – the just-launched and more expensive eighth-generation BMW 5 Series being CLAR’s final foray – the Neue Klasse is expected to deliver a quantum leap in terms of technology, connectivity and digitisation, as well as battery efficiency.

BMW Group Australia spokesman Nick Raman told carsales that the BMW 3 Series and X3 were crucial vehicles for the Aussie market, but wouldn’t be drawn on confirming details or launch timing.

“The Neue Klasse represents a paradigm shift for future BMW product and the 3 Series and X3 are key models for Australia. A very exciting future awaits for us all,” he said.

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