BMW's First Neue Klasse Model, the iX3, to Debut This Year

BMW plans to unveil its Neue Klasse vehicles later this year as part of a broader initiative to revamp its lineups. At the 2025 Annual Conference, BMW Group CEO Oliver Zipse announced the launch of over 40 new or updated models in the next two years.

The debut of new versions will likely start in September 2025 with the launch of the iX3, the first Neue Klasse model to go into production. The all-new BMW iX3 is the first all-electric BMW X model, and it has gained a good response in the global market.

It's important to note that BMW Group also owns Mini and Rolls Royce, meaning the upcoming 40-plus models will not necessarily wear the BMW badge. Some models can also be offered with other brand badging. Based on the sales figures for 2024, BMW is a volume brand, with a massive 2.2 million sales from BMW Group's combined vehicle sales of 2.4 million. The upcoming Neue Klasse lineup would feature a slightly different styling compared to existing models in the market, showcasing the brand's future focus.

BMW's push to introduce new-generation models comes at a difficult time for almost all automakers outside China. In two major global automotive markets—China, which is dominated by local players, and the US, where new president Trump is talking more about tariffs—major automobile manufacturers have been concerned about establishing ideal market shares to maintain their relevance in the industry.

Though BMW has seen an increase in EV sales, with 13.5% global growth in 2024, most customers are not yet fully committed to driving electric vehicles daily. They still feel more attached to ICE vehicles. Some reports anticipated that BMW is investing in developing new combustion engines capable of meeting European emission regulations.

CEO Oliver Zipse emphasized the significant advancements made through their new technology clusters in discussing the company's future strategy for thriving in the global market. He highlighted that these innovations aim to maximize scalability, boost innovation levels, and enhance customer benefits. Zipse also pointed out that the company doesn't focus on differentiating between segments or drivetrain technologies—instead, it strives to deliver the latest technology to all its customers.