BMW iX3 And Other Neue Klasse EVs Will Be Offered In Tesla-Style Long And Short Range Versions

Dec. 21, 2022 8:48 AM ET by Sebastian Cenizo Electric Vehicles / Comments

A new report claims that the German automaker's next-generation electric vehicles will also be offered with single- and dual-motor versions.

BMW's upcoming Neue Klasse platform will spawn electric vehicles with short- and long-range versions, with single- and dual-motor configurations. The news was leaked by BimmerPost forum member "ynguldyn," who has been consistently reliable on the behind-the-scenes goings on of all things BMW.

According to this user's most recent update, "BMW will use a very Tesla-like approach to the Neue Klasse model range, with differentiation by both range and driver motors." The user speculates that something like the NA5 (second-generation) BMW iX3 electric SUV will be offered as a Standard Range RWD model, as well as an SR AWD model, a Long Range AWD model, and an M Performance-enhanced AWD model.

However, it's worth keeping in mind that the user notes that these presumptions are based on "very early hints," so these plans may not be set in stone.

The iX3 is basically the all-electric BMW X3, but the company thinks that this car is not suitable for the American market. That could change once the X3 is deemed too dirty for some American roads, but for now, BMW is just dipping its toes into the electric vehicle market in America. Nevertheless, it's not unreasonable to assume that other electric BMWs to come will follow the same recipe, including the awkwardly styled BMW iX. It makes sense. Not everybody needs the biggest engine or AWD with today's combustion-powered vehicles, so why should EVs be any different? By offering numerous versions of the same sort of EV, BMW can appeal to a broader audience.

Unfortunately, we are still some way off from seeing these Neue Klasse electric vehicles. Our first glimpse at what the EV-focused platform will offer is only set to arrive in the new year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, taking place from January 5-8, but it will be worth the wait, promising 30% more range, 30% less charging time, 50% lower production costs, and 60% lower carbon emissions.

In time, if BMW does someday abandon the internal combustion engine, even full-fat M cars will be powered by electricity. Let's hope that the automaker gets EVs right before then, or the future will be very dull indeed.