The original Neue Klasse from the 60s was a revolutionary platform for BMW. It introduced the modern sports sedan and helped pull the company back from financial ruin. Now, the new Neue Klasse EV platform could be even more impactful — stretching its influence to MINI and Rolls-Royce as well.
According to Automobilwoche, BMW AG board member and head of development, Dr Joachim Post, said these won’t be mere reskins — each model will be tailored to suit its brand, delivering a more bespoke experience.
Elaborating on this, Post said, “We don’t develop technology just for one brand, but for our entire portfolio. From MINI to Rolls-Royce, all brands benefit from the advancements we’ve made with the Neue Klasse. Of course, a MINI has completely different characteristics than a Rolls-Royce.”
“But our aim as a global manufacturer is always to leverage synergies across all our brands. This doesn’t mean we’ll simply transfer the Panoramic iDrive display and operating concept to Rolls-Royce, but there are opportunities for adaptation,” he added.
This makes total sense for the BMW Group, helping it achieve economies of scale. Rather than developing bespoke platforms for each brand or model, shared technology allows for lower costs and greater efficiency across the lineup.
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Of course, these models won’t be like-for-like. But they could share key technologies such as iDrive, electric motors, ECUs, and battery systems. Future MINI models, for example, could adopt a circular version of the Neue Klasse’s central display, while a Rolls-Royce EV might feature a more refined take on the BMW’s Panoramic Vision.
Alongside MINI and Rolls-Royce, future Neue Klasse models could also receive the ALPINA treatment too. High-performance variants of models like the i7 and upcoming iX7 may arrive later in the decade, with the possibility of an enhanced i3 as well.
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