- BMW is rapidly rolling out its Neue Klasse design language across every model lineup.
- The current 5-Series lineup will undergo a major facelift with radical design updates.
- The brand’s design boss says it’s important all models share the same styling language.
The design direction of new BMWs has been a hot topic for years, some might argue for more than two decades, with many pointing to Chris Bangle’s infamous E65 7-Series as the turning point at the start of the century. However, the German premium carmaker now believes it’s onto a winner.
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As it prepares to unveil its first Neue Klasse EV, it’s clear the new design philosophy will soon touch every corner of the BMW lineup, including its internal combustion engine models, and the rollout will be faster than anyone expected.
A New Design Era
BMW will usher in its new design era with the second-generation iX3 at September’s Munich Motor Show before following it up with the next-generation 3-Series, to be offered in both ICE and EV forms (though these will be separate models). After that, we can expect thoroughly updated versions of BMW’s existing ICE models, starting with the 5-Series.
The automaker only launched the current 5-Series in 2023, but a radical design overhaul is already well underway. Several prototypes have been spied testing in recent months, complete with updated front and rear fascias. Autocar speculates that the interior of the luxury sedan could also be updated, perhaps with the brand’s new Panoramic iDrive system.
Read: 2027 BMW 5-Series Looks To Join The Neue Klasse Era
The same CLAR architecture as the current model will be retained, as will the same selection of engines. The M5 will also benefit from the Neue Klasse styling and continue to sport a powerful plug-in hybrid 4.4-liter V8.
The Neue Klasse Philosophy Goes Big
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Other models set to receive the same Neue Klasse designs include the 2-Series, X2, 7-Series, and X7. According to BMW Group design boss Adrian van Hooydonk, it’s important that the brand ensures all of its models look modern and have design similarities, hence why the new approach will be quickly rolled out across all its models.
“We will make sure that the form language that we are developing now – and starting this year at the Munich auto show with the first of the Neue Klasse vehicles – will be rolled out over the entire product portfolio, leaving no car behind,” he told Autocar. “Of course, it would not be good for us or for our customers if there would be a new type of BMW and a ‘classic’ type of BMW. We’re going to change the look and feel of the BMW brand.”
The design boss also reassured that each model will maintain its unique character while sharing traits. “There will be a family resemblance but each car will have its own distinct character traits, just like we have today,” he said. “But everything will look very new in a short space of time”.
Van Hooydonk added that “pretty much the whole product line-up” will be renewed over the next “two to three years.” BMW product boss Bernd Körber gave a slightly longer timeline, saying all models will be updated with Neue Klasse designs “within three and a half years.”
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As for why BMW is pushing through this design overhaul at such a rapid pace, van Hooydonk chalks it up to the rapid pace of technological change and society’s growing appetite for innovation. “Society’s appetite for change has sped up,” he said, as if we needed another reminder that the world’s shifting faster than we can keep up with it.
So, prepare yourselves as BMW’s design revolution is happening, and it’s coming quicker than you can say “iX3.”
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