BMW Outpaces Its Wallet with European Investment of Over 10 Billion Euros in New Klasse Project
BMW is set to launch its iX3 this summer, marking the start of the German automaker's electric vehicle (EV) offensive under the Neue Klasse banner. This investment, totaling 'well over' €10 billion over the past five years, covers vehicle development, sixth-generation electric motor and battery engineering, and battery manufacturing infrastructure.
The iX3, unveiled in 2026, is just one product of BMW's Neue Klasse product offensive, which extends beyond EVs. BMW has built an all-new factory from the ground up for the iX3, and for China, the largest market for BMW, the iX3 will be offered in a long-wheelbase version.
The European market launch for the iX3 is slated for next spring. Initially, only the iX3 50 xDrive will be available. However, a more affordable iX3 40 sDrive has already been confirmed and will follow shortly after.
BMW's CEO, Oliver Zipse, has called the iX3 the 'best overall product in the industry.' The series production of the iX3, codenamed 'NA5', will begin at the Debrecen site in Hungary, starting in November.
The iX3 will make its public debut next week at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich. BMW is partnering with major Chinese tech firms for in-car software, and designing China-specific products locally at the Designworks Shanghai Studio.
By the end of 2027, nearly the entire BMW lineup will benefit from Neue Klasse, with more than 40 new or refreshed models launched. This includes several models based on the Neue Klasse platform, such as the all-electric BMW iX3, the global BMW 3 Series Electric (i3 sedan), and the fully electric BMW iM3 (ZA0). All these models are fully electric, with no internal combustion engines planned for this platform.
The Neue Klasse focuses on premium mid-size cars such as compact sedans and sporty SUVs. By 2027, BMW plans to integrate Neue Klasse technology into about 40 new models or updates. The i3, in China, will mirror the current CLAR-based i3 sedan sold there as a stretched 3 Series EV. A new model, the i3 sedan, is scheduled for launch in 2026.
BMW remains profitable throughout the investment in Neue Klasse. The company's commitment to this investment underscores its dedication to a sustainable and electric future. The Neue Klasse is BMW's largest investment ever, and it is poised to shape the company's electric future for years to come.
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