BMW’s Neue Klasse Tech Expanding to All Brands
BMW is planning a widespread implementation of its cutting-edge Neue Klasse electric vehicle technology, with the aim of integrating it across its entire portfolio, which includes MINI and Rolls-Royce. According to Dr. Joachim Post, a member of the BMW board and head of purchasing and supply, the company intends to leverage its new technology across all vehicle lines.
“When we start a new technology, we look at every opportunity. In general [with] the technology we develop for Neue Klasse, our interest is to spread that through the portfolio and make it feasible for all cars – whether that’s Rolls-Royce or MINI,” Post stated during a recent Neue Klasse event, as reported by Auto Express.
The Neue Klasse platform has already been previewed in the form of a 3 Series-sized sedan concept and the iX3-sized Vision Neue Klasse X concept. The architecture is designed to be modular, offering flexibility to accommodate a diverse range of market segments.
Flexibility in Scale
Post emphasized the technology’s adaptability, stating, “This technology is not limited to how flexible the new cells are and other components and the overall packaging.” BMW has unveiled two different types of electric motors for the Neue Klasse, although the front-axle motor currently operates in a dual-motor configuration.
Regarding the potential application of this technology to the MINI Electric, Post noted that it’s “a bit early to think about this latest technology coming to MINI, but we will ensure that it will retain its ‘MINI-ness’ when it does”.
For Rolls-Royce, BMW is focusing on adopting smaller, lighter, and more energy-dense battery units. Consequently, a Neue Klasse-based Rolls-Royce is not expected to have a battery pack larger than the current Spectre’s 107kWh unit.
