BMW’s M division has been experimenting with EVs for many years now, and as the development of its first electric vehicle continues, it has provided insight into one of the many prototypes that have played an instrumental role in making the Neue Klasse M3 a reality.

In 2018, BMW formed a team of engineers who have taken a first-generation M2 and turned it into an EV. The car, known internally as ‘The Beast,’ is “super powerful.” While we don’t know precisely how much power it has, Michael Sailer from the functional development team for BMW M driving dynamics, says it’s very hard to control as it doesn’t have the calmness of production-spec M models.

Read: BMW M Teases A Hot Neue Klasse M3 EV

Not to fear. The boss of BMW M, Frank Van Meel, says that it’s the company’s job to start with an uncontrollable beast early in the development stage and then to make it controllable. This is precisely what it did with the original E53 X5 Le Mans prototype. That insane SUV was fitted with the 700 hp V12 engine from the Le Mans-winning V12 LMR and served as a precursor to the BMW X5 M, one of the first high-performance SUVs to hit the market.

According to Van Meel, the all-electric M2 from BMW will also be tamed, influencing the electric M3.

BMW’s first all-electric M car is quickly taking shape and was shown under a colorful camouflage wrap earlier this month. It’s widely expected to have a quad-motor powertrain, with Van Meel saying this it’s good for as much as 1,341 hp (1,000 kW) or one Megawatt of power, although it’s unclear if the production model will be that powerful.

We know that BMW is developing its own in-house electric motors. These motors may be water and oil-cooled, and the first electric BMW M model should be able to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in less than 3 seconds.

BMW is gearing up to showcase the latest iteration of its iDrive system and display that’ll be used in upcoming Neue Klasse production models. The new tech will be unveiled at next month’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in a special event hosted by comedian Tim Meadows.

The debut will take place at the BMW Pavilion, and attendees will have the chance to take a close look at the system. It’ll consist of the brand’s first panoramic iDrive display and, according to BMW, set new standards “for in-vehicle experiences with a clear focus on driver orientation, safety, and personalization.”

Read: BMW’s Neue Klasse Design Is Coming To All ICE Models

Images published of Tim Meadows may provide us with a hint of what to expect from the new system. Pictured behind the comedian is the top of a huge steering wheel, an angular infotainment screen, and what appears to be a full-width panoramic display. Both the steering wheel and the infotainment display match up with the Vision Neue Klasse X concept and appear likely to make it to production.

Details about the “panoramic” display are a little murkier. Both the Vision Neue Klasse X SUV and the Vision Neue Klasse sedan concepts had curved full-width displays at the base of the windshield. It’s possible that BMW intends to make these screens a reality for its future production models.

All will be revealed on January 7th at 8:30 a.m. PST. Meadows will be joined by BMW AG chief development officer Frank Weber, head of BMW Group Design Adrian van Hooydonk, and head of UI/UX development, Stephan Durach.

The first Neue Klasse-based production model to hit BMW showrooms will be the next-generation, all-electric iX3, set to adopt a very similar design philosophy to the Vision Neue Klasse X. It will launch next year, while a road-going variant of the Neue Klasse sedan concept is set to arrive in 2026. A further four Neue Klasse models will join the burgeoning family over the following two years.

DS Automobiles has just unveiled their new flagship, the fully electric N°8 fastback crossover, and it’s clear they’re trying (perhaps a bit too hard) to grab attention. During the official presentation, the French automaker had the gall—er, the cheek—to throw a little jab at the competition, recreating a scene from the folk tale Cinderella to make their point. And what’s that point, you ask? Well, the DS N°8 wants to be the new luxury carriage for those who fancy a bit of magic in their drive; no pumpkins required.

More: DS No8 Breaks Cover As The New French Electric Flagship

The N°8 was revealed by none other than Olivier Francois, CEO of Fiat, Abarth, and DS Automobiles, who made a rather grandoise statement by calling the N°8 a “modern-day carriage.” This, of course, was meant to evoke the heritage of DS, a brand that’s barely old enough to legally drink in some countries. A bit of a stretch, sure, but it sets the stage for what was to follow.

In a rather Cinderella-esque moment at the end of the video, Francois parks the N°8 between an Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron and a BMW i4, both of which were conveniently de-badged, but we got the message loud and clear. To top it off, he delivered a final punchline:

“Well, I’m convinced that if Cinderella were written in 2025, she would undoubtedly ride in a N°8. And allow me to say, by next summer, when N°8 is launched, it might just be like the fairy tale: the 12 strokes of midnight may very well sound for the competition’s luxurious carriages.”

At this point, the Audi and BMW are transformed nto pumpkins, while the DS N°8 remains unscathed, because, of course, it’s the star of the show. For the uninitiated, Cinderella’s fairy godmother turned a pumpkin into a golden carriage to get her to the ball, only to have the magic wear off at midnight. You know, just in case you hadn’t picked up on the metaphor.

Now, setting aside the cheeky marketing, DS Automobiles has had a bit of a rough ride since its split from Citroen in 2014. Competing with more established brands in both sales and brand recognition has proven tricky.

Positioned as one of Stellantis’s premium brands alongside Lancia and Alfa Romeo but below Maserati, DS doesn’t have the decades of heritage that BMW or Mercedes-Benz can rely on. Instead, it shares its underpinnings with other Stellantis models, while attempting to carve out its own niche with quirky French styling, more upscale interiors, and a slightly more refined chassis setup. Think of DS like Genesis, but focused more on the lower segments—if that makes sense. And that’s the approach they’ve taken with the N°8, which is designed to challenge the sedans and coupe-SUVs in Europe’s premium midsize segment.

More: How Would You Save Stellantis?

Francois was quick to highlight that the 4.82-meter-long (189.8-inch) N°8 combines the elevated driving position of an SUV with the elegance and class of a grand sedan. It also boasts the longest range in its segment with up to 750 km (466 miles) on a single charge.

In the video, the CEO went on at length about the interior, claiming it offers “extreme comfort, beauty, silence, and refinement.” He also highlighted that the N°8’s seats provide a spa-like experience, complete with massaging, ventilating, and heating functions, plus, a neck warmer for good measure.

But, as with all things that sound too good to be true, it remains to be seen whether buyers will shell out for this French luxury crossover when they can just as easily reach for a more traditional choice from the likes of BMW, Audi, or Mercedes-Benz.

DS Automobiles

Spy photographers recently snapped the first pictures of the Neue Klasse i3 and now we’re getting a look at the M variant. Little is known about it, but BMW M quietly dropped a handful of images on Instagram and their website.

The company isn’t saying much at this point, but noted the car is a prototype and is “on the way to set new standards.” The automaker also referred to the model as the “HP BEV,” which presumably means high-performance battery electric vehicle.

More: BMW Engineers Built An Electric M2 Prototype To Impress The Board Of Management

If those weren’t enough hints, the images were accompanied by a quote from BMW M’s head of development, Dirk Häcker, who said “Electrification opens up completely new degrees of freedom for us to create M typical dynamics.”

Moving onto the pictures themselves, we can see the model follows in the footsteps of previous prototypes as well as the Vision Neue Klasse concept. However, the M prototype is more aggressive as it appears to have a wider track as well as lightweight wheels wrapped in high-performance rubber. The car also sits low, which hints at a sportier suspension setup.

There isn’t much else to see, but the car has retractable door handles and a relatively flat roof. They’re joined by a plain rear end that unsurprisingly lacks an exhaust.

While BMW isn’t saying much, the wrap echoes the one found on the i4-based quad-motor prototype that has been undergoing testing for the past few years. Rumors have suggested the model could have more than 1,000 hp (746 kW / 1,014 PS) as well as advanced torque vectoring and even a tank turn capability.

Given that BMW M has been on an electrification teaser spree as of late, we wouldn’t be surprised if more information were to follow in the coming days.

H/T to BMW Blog

BMW M is gearing up for the debut of its first fully electric model, marking the beginning of a new era for the brand. Before that happens, a new video series on YouTube gives us a sneak peek behind the scenes of the EV development, showing early BMW M prototypes and discussing their quad-motor powertrain.

The first episode of the “BMW M Electrified” series is focused on the preparation of the “Board Management Drive”. This secret test drive is for engineers to share their most exciting work with BMW’s entire Board of Management. This is a crucial milestone for the team, as the future of each project effectively depends on what high-ranked officials will think about it.

Review: 2025 BMW M4 Competition Is An Addictive Triumph Of Speed

The video reveals that one of the early EV prototypes was based on the previous-generation BMW M2 (F87). The white model sports a slightly different front bumper and a pronounced ducktail spoiler, but looks fairly stock, setting aside the obvious lack of tailpipes. This likely allowed the development team to test the new powertrain and driving dynamics on public roads without being noticed.

Of course, the star of the video is the familiar BMW M prototype which has been spotted testing since 2022. This one is based on the BMW i4 but features various components from the M3/M4, wide fender extensions, carbon ceramic brakes, and a special camouflage wrap. More importantly, it is fitted with quad electric motors featuring advanced torque vectoring functions and rides on an extensively reinforced chassis with custom front and rear subframes.

BMW M / YouTube

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Carsten Wolf, who’s responsible for Integration Vehicle Characteristics at BMW M, said that the quad-motor EV powertrain will be used by all future models. “We will see the technical concepts that we are developing here now, four electric motors, in all BMW M high performance vehicles at some point in the future”. In this context, Wolf said that the modular system, comprising the EV powertrain and the driving dynamics, is crucial for the future of BMW M.

Speaking about EV development, Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH, said: “For me it’s not about transforming, it’s about embracing new technology, and to find out how to push to the limits of what is technically possible”. According to van Meel, their goal was to “centralize all of the control units into a central control logic”, reducing the complexity of the electronics and avoiding any interference between them.

Earlier this year, the BMW M boss made a bold statement about their upcoming fully electric sedan, saying it “will beat everything you have ever seen”. The production model is expected to spearhead the upcoming BMW i3 sedan’s range, which will ride on the much-talked-about Neue Klasse architecture. It will be the electric equivalent to the BMW M3, which will reportedly live on in ICE-powered form using a mild-hybrid six-cylinder engine.

At some point in the video, the i4-based prototype suffered a mechanical issue, and the team had to replace the front electric motors. Engineers cite how crucial it is to perform real-life tests from an early stage, as simulations can’t provide the same feedback on all-new technology. Thankfully, all of the issues were dealt with before members of BMW’s Board of Management sat behind the wheel of the EVs.

The next episode will likely show us the outcome of the test drive. According to BMW M’s CEO, the high-ranked officials “said nothing” after experiencing the driving dynamics of the electric models. Judging from the fact that the project has received the green light for production, this was probably a good reaction.

Spy photographers have caught the facelifted BMW iX on multiple occasions, but the automaker is giving them a break by releasing official pictures of the updated EV. They reveal a handful of changes, but this isn’t a radical makeover.

Starting up front, there’s a lightly revised grille that adopts angular lines similar to the new X3. We can also see an evolutionary front fascia with a prominent intake that is flanked by vertical air curtains. They’re joined by a familiar hood and updated headlights.

More: 2026 BMW iX Gets Glowing Grille And More Power, But No Prettier

The rest of the design largely carries over, but some minor tweaks could be hiding beneath the camouflage. We can also expect interior updates as previous spy photos have shown a camouflaged cabin.

While BMW didn’t have anything to say about the facelifted crossover, the pictures were released in conjunction with a test drive event. BMW Blog attended and said the model has new seats, which are more comfortable than their predecessors.

Some of the biggest changes are under the skin as the publication says the iX has upgraded electric motors with new bearings and inverters. These help to improve efficiency and the improvements are aided by lower rolling resistance tires.

The changes reportedly help to make the 2026 iX 10% more efficient than the outgoing model. That’s before factoring in expected battery improvements, so it sounds like we can expect a significant range boost.

That would be a welcome development as the 2025 iX xDrive50 offers an EPA-estimated range of between 302 and 309 miles (486 and 497 km) depending on the size of its wheels. Those numbers drop to 284 and 285 miles (457 and 459 km) for the range-topping iX M60.

Our spy photographers caught one of the pre-production prototypes of the upcoming BMW iX3 Neue Klasse SUV, shortly after it rolled off the production line in Hungary. The fully electric model goes through the latest stages of development testing ahead of its market launch in 2025.

The BMW iX3 Neue Klasse made its spy debut in November 2023, but early prototypes were fitted with provisional lighting units. The new prototype is fitted with the production headlights and taillights, revealing a modern LED lighting signature. This was the last missing piece of the puzzle, as the bodywork of the SUV has already been uncovered in recent patent drawings.

More: 2026 BMW iX3 Neue Klasse Renders Patents Into Reality

The new prototype was also photographed with the hood open. Unlike other EVs, the BMW iX3 doesn’t appear to have a frunk, with the space being occupied by mechanical components. We can also see the iX3’s pop-out door handles, which are less futuristic than the fin-shaped solution of the Vision Neue Klasse X concept. Judging from earlier spy shots, these will likely find their way into the larger iX5.

The wheels of the prototype suggest that this is one of the lesser versions of the BMW iX3. Our spy photographers suggest that the wheel diameter of the production model will be between 18 inches and 22 inches depending on the trim. The larger size will likely be reserved for the performance-focused offering by BMW M.

The new BMW iX3 will be the first production model to adopt the Neue Klasse styling language before it gets applied to the automaker’s entire range of combustion and electric models. The iX3 will be followed by the i3 sedan, the similarly-sized 3-Series, and the new generation of the X5/iX5, which are set to debut in the coming years.

The Neue Klasse underpinnings are compatible with single and dual electric motors, rumored to produce anywhere between 300 and 600 hp. Furthermore, a new generation of batteries is expected to bring a 30% improvement in charging speed and range, taking the latter to a maximum of over 800 km (500 miles).

BMW recently stated that series production of its first Neue Klasse SUV will begin in late 2025.

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BYD makes more EVs than anyone, and it makes them for less money than most Western automakers can comprehend. But there is a cost, and it’s being paid by the workers in its supply chains, according to a new report investigating human rights risks in the EV industry.

Amnesty International’s Recharge for Rights study ranked 13 automakers according to how they address human rights risks in their mineral supply chains. BYD came bottom with a score of just 11 out of a potential 90 points, with Mitsubishi not far behind on 13 points.

Related: Microsoft’s AI Helps Find Promising New Battery Material With 70% Less Lithium

Hyundai (21), Geely and Nissan (22 apiece) came out looking like bad guys but Tesla (49) and top-rated Mercedes (51) performed far better. Not that even Benz’s score was enough to please the Amnesty investigators, who suggest that only a total of 68 points or more shows an adequate commitment to human rights issues.

Although EVs don’t produce tailpipe emissions, their batteries need huge quantities of minerals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt. And while many of us are aware of the environmental damage caused by mining lithium, Amnesty International says the cobalt mining industry is ripe for the abuse of workers, some of whom in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, which generates 25 percent of the world’s supply, are children.

BYD was marked down for refusing to reveal the name of the smelter, refiner, and mine that supply its minerals, but Geely, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, and GM were all guilty of a lack of transparency. In contrast, the best-rated brands were able to provide supply-chain mapping.

Human rights score

“As the global transition to electric vehicles gains momentum, drives global competition and allows for huge profit, Amnesty International is calling on all car makers to improve their human rights due diligence efforts and bring them in line with international human rights standards,” said the organization’s Agnès Callamard.

The need for automakers to prove the origins of their batteries’ minerals to be eligible for EV credits has improved transparency, Wired notes. And there are steep fines (and market access restrictions) awaiting companies who flout rules governing supply chain welfare contained in the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive that came into force in Europe this summer.

But Callamard believes there’s more to be done.

“Those lagging behind need to work harder and faster to show that human rights isn’t just a fluff phrase, but an issue they take seriously,” she says. “It’s time to shift gears and ensure electric vehicles don’t leave behind a legacy of human rights abuses – instead, the industry must drive a just energy future that leaves no one behind.”

BMW has taken another major step toward its electric future with the production of the first “near-series” prototypes of its upcoming Neue Klasse SUV in Debrecen, Hungary. This move marks a key step toward the series production launch, which is scheduled for late 2025. The Debrecen plant, specifically built for the Neue Klasse lineup, is set to become the cornerstone of BMW’s EV strategy.

What BMW calls the “fully electric X model for the Neue Klasse” is, in fact, the next iteration of the iX3. Previewed by the Vision Neue Klasse X concept in March 2024, the SUV’s design has already been teased through spy shots and leaked patent drawings. While the official reveal is still months away, the glimpses we’ve had so far leave little room for speculation.

More: 2026 BMW iX3 Neue Klasse Revealed In Patent Leaks

The company has released a single image of the near-series iX3 prototype, captured within the BMW Group Plant in Debrecen. Draped in camouflage, the prototype showcases the production-ready bodywork and lighting units. It is more advanced that early development prototypes, whose production has been ramping up.

The 2026 BMW iX3 remains largely faithful to its concept origins but introduces some real-world concessions. It swaps the more futuristic features of the Vision Neue Klasse concept for more practical elements, including conventional LED headlights, standard side mirrors, slightly smaller wheels, and some design tweaks to the body.

According to the Bavarian automaker, the logistics and production processes at the plant are currently being “tested and constantly optimized under real conditions” as the vehicles inch closer to their final production form. The company added that every stage of the process is undergoing “close scrutiny,” while the “cutting-edge production systems and tools” are being validated. Additionally, new staff members will undergo intensive training in the coming months, as BMW prepares for launch.

What’s Next for Neue Klasse?

Production of the iX3 SUV is set to commence in Debrecen, Hungary, in late 2025, with its closely related i3 sedan following in Munich, Germany, in 2026. By 2027, Neue Klasse EV production will also expand to BMW’s San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico, ighlighting the automaker’s international approach to its next-generation EV lineup.

BMW aims for its fully electric lineup to account for more than half of its total sales by 2030. By 2027, no fewer than six Neue Klasse models—including the iX3 and i3—are set to launch, driving the automaker’s EV momentum. At the same time, BMW will continue introducing new generations of internal combustion engine (ICE) models, to maintain a diverse offering for its customers.

Depreciation is a fact of life, but what you buy has a big impact on resale values down the line. To help consumers, J.D. Power has released their 2025 U.S. ALG Residual Value Awards which highlight the vehicles that are projected to hold the highest percentage of their manufacturer’s suggested retail price after three years of ownership.

The winners aren’t exactly a surprise as Honda and Lexus walked away with top honors for the fourth consecutive year. J.D. Power’s Danny Battaglia credited part of this success to Honda’s pricing discipline as well as Lexus’ restraint on incentives, which can negatively impact resale values of older vehicles.

More: 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Starts At $59,595

Besides being named the best premium brand, Lexus picked up the most model-level awards. Class honors went to the IS, LS, NX, RX, and TX. Their mainstream counterpart, Toyota, also picked up awards for the Camry and GR Supra as well as the Tundra and Land Cruiser.

Japanese models dominated the rankings as Honda scored wins for the Civic, Passport and Odyssey, while Subaru picked up accolades for the Crosstrek, Forester, and WRX. Other awards went to the Acura Integra and Nissan Kicks.

American brands might have played second fiddle, but GM racked up five wins. The Chevrolet Corvette was named the best “midsize premium sporty car,” while the Cadillac Escalade was the best large premium SUV. GMC also picked up awards for the Sierra 3500 HD as well as the Hummer EV Pickup and SUV.

Interestingly, the soon to be launched Dodge Charger Daytona was named the best electric car. While it remains to be seen what resale values will look like three years from now, electric coupes are virtually unheard of in America so the Charger Daytona doesn’t really have any competition.

Sticking with EVs, the Tesla Model 3 was dubbed the best premium electric car. The Hyundai Kona EV, on the other hand, was named best electric SUV.

Awards were also given to the BMW X1 and 5-Series, Jeep Gladiator and Wagoneer, and Kia Telluride. Mercedes’ only win was for the Sprinter, which took the commercial van class.

BMW’s Neue Klasse initiative marks a pivotal chapter for the Bavarian brand, with at least six fully electric models set to launch by 2028. Among these, the BMW i3 sedan stands out as one of the most anticipated—a fully electric counterpart to the popular 3 Series. It’s scheduled to hit showrooms in 2026, a year after the iX3 SUV. Now, for the first time, we’ve caught a proper prototype undergoing real-world testing.

Spotted on public roads in Germany, the camouflaged tester doesn’t stray far from the visual language of the Vision Neue Klasse concept presented in 2023. Predictably, however, the production model dials down the concept’s more dramatic flourishes in favor of something more road-ready, without losing its edge. BMW itself has described the styling as “clear, elegant, and timeless,” with subtle nods to the clean(er) lines of the E30, the 3.0 CSL, and even the 2002.

More: BMW’s Neue Klasse Design Is Coming To All ICE Models

At the front, the EV keeps the concept’s signature shark-nose profile but adapts it with larger, more conventional-looking LED headlights nestled into a wide, a wide yet relatively low-slung kidney grille—a welcome departure from the disproportionately oversized grilles that have plagued recent BMW designs. Another notable detail is the hood, beneath which lies a secondary trunk (or frunk), seen ajar during testing.

From the side, the prototype’s flared wheel arches could almost be mistaken for a high-performance M car if it weren’t for the no-nonsense wheels and high-profile tires clearly built for testing duties. Other production-ready elements include a more conventional greenhouse, functional mirrors, pop-out door handles, and subtly reshaped bumpers.

At the rear, provisional high-mounted taillights hint at the final design but are expected to be replaced by sleeker LED clusters as the car inches closer to production readiness.

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BMW Vision Neue Klasse Concept

High Tech Interior

The prototype’s interior remains under cover, but we know that production model will debut BMW’s full-width Panoramic Vision display, stretching across the base of the windshield. This will be paired with an unconventionally shaped infotainment touchscreen. While the Vision Neue Klasse concept featured colorful, avant-garde materials in its four-seat configuration, the production car is expected to tone this down in favor of a more traditional, practical five-seat layout—because, as always, function has to follow form when the rubber meets the road.

Powertrains And Range

The new i3 sedan will be the second model to leverage BMW’s Neue Klasse architecture, debuting just after the iX3 SUV. An entry-level single-motor variant is rumored to deliver around 300 hp, while dual-motor configurations will up the ante for those craving more grunt.

At the top of the lineup, a halo model from the BMW M division could redefine performance EVs entirely, with rumors swirling around a quad-motor system producing a staggering 1,341 hp. If that sounds ambitious, so too does BMW’s claim that its next-gen batteries will enable over 800 km (500 miles) of range while offering lightning-fast charging capabilities. These technological strides are essential if BMW hopes to edge out not just Tesla but a growing list of challengers from Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and beyond.

More: BMW’s Next ICE M3 Is A Mild Hybrid, Not A PHEV Like The Heavyweight M5

Interestingly, the i3 sedan will coexist with the combustion-powered 3 Series for the foreseeable future, reflecting BMW’s measured approach to electrification. Its direct competitors will include the Audi A4 e-tron, the forthcoming electric successor to the Mercedes C-Class, and—inevitably—the Tesla Model 3, the world’s best selling sedan.

As development of the Neue Klasse models accelerates, expect to see more prototypes emerge on European roads in the coming months.

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BMW’s huge factory complex in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, will start to build the brand’s next-generation Neue Klasse vehicles in 2027, and the first model that’ll roll off the production line will be the second-generation iX3.

The world was provided a glimpse of the new-age iX3 earlier this year with the launch of the Vision Neue Klasse X. While the name of the new road-going variant is yet to be confirmed, we do expect it to look very similar to the concept, and as such, radically different than the current iX3. Whether or not that’s a good thing will be up to the market to decide, but there’s no denying BMW is adopting a brave new design language in the Neue Klasse era.

Read: 2026 BMW iX3 Electric SUV Promises 500 Mile-Range With New Battery Tech

This new model isn’t far off. BMW has already confirmed it will be built at the i Factory in Debrecen, Hungary, starting next year, before sales and deliveries of the new all-electric SUV begin. It will be a true global model and BMW likely expects it to sell well, hence why it’ll also be built in Mexico. During a recent press event attended by BMW Blog, the president and chief executive of the brand’s San Luis Potosí facility confirmed the site would start assembly of the iX3 two years after the Hungary site, meaning sometime in 2027.

BMW confirmed in early 2023 that it was investing €800 million ($870 million) into Mexico its Neue Klasse EVs. Some €500 million ($543 million) of this investment is being directed to the construction of a new assembly center for high-voltage batteries, while the existing assembly site and body shop will be expanded. These investments will create 1,000 new jobs.

The new iX3 will be sold in the United States, and logic dictates that it will be the Mexican-made vehicle that’s sold locally, as opposed to the one manufactured in Hungary. However, if Donald Trump wins the upcoming federal election, BMW may have to change its plans. The Republican presidential candidate has threatened to hit vehicles imported from Mexico with 200% or even 500% tariffs, aiming to prevent a single Mexican-built car from being sold in the US.

“I don’t want their cars,” Trump told Fox News in an interview. “They will not be able to sell cars. I’m not going to let them build a factory right across the border and sell millions of cars into the United States and destroy Detroit further.”

Fortunately, BMW could make things work. It currently has a huge production facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and has confirmed that it will produce six EVs models by the end of the decade at this site. There’s no word on which models these will be and if they will be Neue Klasse-based models or instead built around the existing CLAR architecture.

If you’re a fan of BMW’s design direction with the Neue Klasse concepts but find yourself less than thrilled by the electric powertrains, we have some good news for you. The Bavarian brand is rolling out this new styling language across all future models—EVs, hybrids, and yes, even good old internal combustion engines.

The next generation of BMWs will not only look similar, but they’ll also share the same high-tech, futuristic features inside, offering a nearly identical user experience no matter what’s under the hood.

More: BMW Shakes Up Design Team, Polestar’s Missoni Takes Charge

This revelation comes straight from Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW Group’s design boss, who assured that every future BMW, regardless of powertrain, will embrace the Neue Klasse design language. Sure, there might be “some proportional differences on the exterior and a little on the interior” between EVs and ICE models, but the overall “look and feel” will be the same.

Design Consistency Across Powertrains

Speaking with Top Gear, van Hooydonk, explained: “The big push with EVs, these technologies and this design language, will transfer over the entire product portfolio including our combustion vehicles. For the customer it won’t be difficult – they will all get new modern BMWs and they can choose the drivetrain.”

In other words, it’s a buffet of powertrains, but don’t expect a change of scenery when you switch from electric to gas. That said, BMW promises that each model will retain its own distinct character. They’re not going to pump out the same car in different sizes, so expect a bit of personality sprinkled throughout this new design era. Just how much, remains to be seen.

Van Hooydonk emphasizes the high-tech user experience in these future models, such as the BMW Panoramic Vision head-up display. Other interior highlights will include a center touchscreen with a non-conventional shape, some very futuristic steering wheel controls, and an eco-friendly touch with extensive use of recycled materials.

What’s Coming by 2026

We kind of knew that BMW is planning on expanding the Neue Klasse design to ICE-powered models from our scoop stories showing prototypes of the upcoming BMW X5. That SUV, set to arrive in 2026, will offer hybrid, PHEV, and EV options. So, regardless of how you like your power delivered, your X5 will still look like it just rolled out of the Neue Klasse playbook.

The first production model to adopt the new styling language will be the battery-powered BMW iX3, set to arrive in 2025. It’ll closely resemble the Vision Neue Klasse X concept. Following that, the production version of the Vision Neue Klasse sedan will arrive in 2026, with four more EVs joining the family over the next two years.

Van Hooydonk also promised that the production EVs won’t deviate much from the concepts: “You know how close the i3 and i8 were to their concept cars, that’s what’s going to happen here. If anything I like the production cars better because they’re a bit more compact – we’ve exaggerated the length and width here – and you have a bit more detailing and feel a little bit more refined. But the overall clean look is exactly this.”

As for the recent shake-up in BMW Group’s design team, van Hooydonk made it clear that the new design heads won’t start leaving their mark until the end of the decade. All of the BMW models that will be launched up to 2029 have been signed off under the leadership of former design boss Domagoj Dukec, before he moved to Rolls-Royce. So, whatever you think of the Neue Klasse era, you’ve got at least five years to get used to it.

BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept

BMW wants Europe to relax its plan to ban new petrol and diesel-powered cars from 2035 onward, in an effort to reduce the region’s reliance on batteries from China. While many automakers have fully embraced electrification, BMW is opting for a more diversified strategy. In addition to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), the company is investing in alternative technologies such as e-fuels and hydrogen fuel cells, betting that the future of mobility won’t be driven by batteries alone.

At the this month’s Paris Auto Show, BMW’s CEO, Oliver Zipse, made it clear that Europe needs a new regulatory approach, one that leverages its own strengths in technology and doesn’t hinge so heavily on battery imports.

Read: BMW, Mercedes Against EU Tariffs On Chinese EVs, Say It Could Backfire

“A correction of the 100% BEV target for 2035 as part of a comprehensive CO2-reduction package would also afford European OEMs less reliance on China for batteries,” Zipse said according to Auto News. “To maintain the successful course, a strictly technology-agnostic path within the policy framework is essential.”

Doubling down on his concerns over Europe’s readiness to phase out gasoline and diesel engines, Zipse stated at the same event, as reported by Bloomberg, that the European Union’s targets “are no longer realistic” and that current subsidies for electric vehicles are “unsustainable.”

Whether or not Zipse’s statements will play a role in any possible changes to European regulations remains unclear. However, he is far from the first executive of a major carmaker to suggest the ICE ban needs to be reexamined. Earlier this year, Porsche chief financial officer Lutz Meschke also suggested the ban could be delayed.

Pushback from Key EU Nations

Officials from Germany and Italy also refused to provide their outright support for the ban and were instrumental in the European Commission adding an exemption for ICE-powered vehicles powered by CO2-neutral fuels.

A review of the current targets has been scheduled for 2026 and the head of France’s PFA auto association added in Paris that it’s important parties “come back around the table” to discuss any possible changes.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Zipse has thrown his hat into the debate. Three years ago, he stated that BMW would be ready for any ICE bans, emphasizing that the brand would “have an offering” if any “region, a city, a country gets the idea of banning ICEs.” Still, even back then, he indicated that an outright ban on combustion engines might not be the smartest move for the future.

Automakers around the world are in a flap about falling EV sales, but maybe they’re just making the wrong kind of EVs, because BMW doesn’t seem to be having any problem shifting its battery vehicles. Sales of BMW-branded EVs are up by more than a fifth year-to-date.

BMW sold 22.6 percent more EVs between January and September 2024 than it did in the same period in 2023, according to new figures released by the automaker this week. Broadening the scope to include other BMW Group brands, including Mini and Rolls-Royce, the data shows that EV sales were up 19.1 percent.

Related: BMW Thinks Its High-End EVs Are Immune To Electric Downturn

And though the growth was lower in the most recent three-month period, BMW Group EV deliveries were still up 10.1 percent in Q3 even as the supposed collapse in electric sales being experienced in other corners of the industry started to take effect. Mercedes, for example, suffered a 31 percent decline in EV sales in Q3.

Zooming out again, however, to look at the overall sales picture across all powertrain types, the data shows that BMW Group sales were down 4.5 percent YTD and 13 percent in Q3. BMW-branded vehicles fared less badly, their deliveries dropping 2.3 percent so far in 2024 and 11.4 percent in Q3, a period in which Mercedes grew its sales by 1 percent to 503,600, beating BMW’s 487,000.

BMW’s official explanation for the Group’s Jan-Sep slip is a combination of production stops to deal with faulty Integrated Braking System components, as well as “difficult” market conditions in China. The braking issue is dealt with, but things aren’t going to get easier in China any time soon with domestic automakers continually upping their game and eating into Western brands’ market share.

BMW Group sales

BMW (and Mini) sales dropped 2.1 percent YTD and 9.2 percent in Q3 in the US, and gained 1.4 percent YTD in Europe where they fell by just 1 percent in Q3. But Chinese drivers bought 13.1 percent fewer BMWs in the first nine months of 2024 and registrations tanked by a shocking 29.8 percent in the third quarter, whereas Mercedes was only down 1 percent.

Sporty BMW M cars got away relatively lightly compared with the firm’s other combustion vehicles. Its sales were up 2 percent YTD and down 3.9 percent in Q3. Rolls-Royce – which must be feeling the heat in China – can only dream about such positive stats. Its sales were down 12.8 percent YTD and 16.2 percent in Q3. Hopefully the arrival of the facelifted Ghost will help move the needle in the other direction.  

Mini also took a hefty hit, its deliveries plunging 20.9 percent Jan-Sep and 25.2 percent in Q3, though much of that can be blamed on the brand replacing its entire model line. Or at least that’s what Mini bosses will be hoping.

BMW Group sales by region

Almost 1,000 new BMW 5-Series and 7-Series models are being recalled in the United States due to an issue with the steering spindle.

BMW believes that roughly 1% of the 982 vehicles involved in the recall are impacted. It says that the specifications of the spindle’s double universal joint may not have been “appropriate for the application,” and as such, the swivel socket could get damaged during certain steering maneuvers. If it breaks, this means it would require more effort from the driver to steer the car. The recall notice says this increases the risk of a crash.

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The recall impacts 2024-2025 530i xDrive and 540i xDrive models built between June 17, 2024, and July 17, 2024, 2024-2025 i5 eDrive40, i5 xDrive40, and i5 M60 models manufactured from June 17, 2024, to July 18, 2024, 2024 740i xDrive and 760i xDrives assembled from June 17, 2024, to July 16, 2024, 2024 750e xDrives made from June 18, 2024, and July 1, 2024, as well as 2024 i7 eDrive50, i7 xDrive60, and i7 M70 models made between June 18, 2024, and July 3, 2024.

The car manufacturer first became aware of a potential issue on June 26, 2024, when a damaged steering spindle was noticed at one of BMW’s assembly plants. An investigation quickly followed, and additional damaged steering spindles were found. A decision to issue a recall was made on September 18, 2024.

BMW isn’t aware of any warranty claims, customer complaints, or field reports that could be related to the issue, nor does it know of any accidents or injuries.

Dealers were alerted to the recall on September 25 and owners will be notified by First Class mail from November 15. Authorized BMW centers have been instructed to replace the steering spindle’s double universal joint free of charge.