BMW set to abandon controversial oversized grille
BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept paves way to smaller trademark kidney grille ready for EV eraThe BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept has been previewed ahead of its unveiling on September 2, revealing how the German brand will evolve its trademark kidney grille for its next generation of passenger cars and SUVs.
Posted on social media overnight, the slimmed-down grille for the ‘New Class’ concept will end the controversial oversized kidney grille BMW introduced back in 2020 with the 4 Series Coupe.
Other points of interest from the Neue Klasse concept, which has been created to inspire the BMW’s future design direction, is that the grille doesn’t appear to be an opening at all.
That’s because in the future most BMWs will be EVs and require less cooling than combustion cars.
Instead, the screen projects virtual vanes that appear to pulsate while the rising and falling white elements indicate that the car is still charging.
As well as the grille, another interesting observation is the BMW roundel badge looks like it has been replaced with an emblem that has been neatly pressed into the bonnet.
A separate teaser released by BMW chief designer Domagoj Dukec shows off more of the bonnet, while previous images have previewed the car-maker’s next-generation head-up display and dash design that will feature full-width narrow instruments and infotainment screens.
It’s still not known what production vehicle the BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept previews, but it sits on an all-new EV architecture that will underpin the first of six BMWs that will be introduced between 2025 and 2027.
Designed to house BMW’s sixth generation of batteries, the new EVs are set to feature 30 per cent longer range and be 30 per cent quicker to charge while boasting around 20 per cent more energy density, compared to existing cells.
Finally, the new batteries will have cathodes that use 50 per cent less cobalt while the anode has 20 per cent less graphite.
Inhale innovation, exhale transformation.
— BMW Group (@BMWGroup) August 30, 2023
As we make individual mobility more human, intelligent & responsible, we’re excited to launch our BMW Vision Neue Klasse, a symbol of an inspiring future, on September 2nd:https://t.co/7a9zNn3KfZ#BMWGroup #NeueKlasse pic.twitter.com/8vWV7hrKTs
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