BMW Electrifies the Dreams of Company Car Drivers
This winter, BMW is set to launch its first model from the highly anticipated “New Class” range—the all-electric iX3. Built on a cutting-edge platform, this lineup will include six new models, among them the i3 Touring. FOCUS Online has obtained early details on the project.
Expectations for BMW’s new mid-range models are higher than ever, particularly given the challenging market conditions for German automakers. Much like in the 1960s, when the original “Neue Klasse” transformed the brand, the 2025 relaunch is about more than just a single vehicle—it signals a fundamental shift in BMW’s entire portfolio. The new platform will influence production, development, and overall value creation. “The New Class is designed exclusively for electric vehicles,” states BMW’s Head of Development, Frank Weber, emphasising that combustion-engine models will play only a minimal role in this transition.
100% Electric: The New Class Takes Shape
The first vehicle in this revolutionary lineup is the BMW iX3, set to arrive in the latter half of 2025. This mid-size electric crossover will bear strong design and technological resemblances to the BMW i Vision Dee and BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept cars. By the end of 2027, BMW will roll out five additional models based on this platform, forming the core of the brand’s future lineup. Among them, the BMW i3 will debut in 2026, with a Touring variant joining the range by late 2026, aimed at attracting electric vehicle enthusiasts.
Advanced Powertrains and Performance
BMW’s commitment to next-generation electric mobility is evident in the technical details of the upcoming i3 Touring. The model will feature the latest electric motor technology and will be available with both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. Power output is expected to range between 200 and 500 horsepower, making it one of the most dynamic mid-sized BMWs ever produced.
A high-performance variant, the BMW i3M, is also in development and is projected to hit the market by 2027. With an output exceeding 600 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a top speed surpassing 250 km/h, it aims to redefine performance in the electric mid-range segment.
The Future of In-Car Technology: Panoramic iDrive
The interior of the BMW i3 Touring promises a new level of sustainability, featuring extensive use of recycled materials and illuminated textile elements. Designed to accommodate five passengers comfortably, the vehicle will introduce a completely new infotainment experience. Instead of traditional instrument clusters, drivers will rely on the innovative Panoramic iDrive, a wide display that stretches across the lower section of the windscreen, providing information to all occupants.
“Starting with the first production model of the New Class later this year, the BMW Panoramic iDrive will become a core feature of all future BMW vehicles,” explains Frank Weber. Despite this shift, a traditional head-up display module will still be available for those who prefer conventional dashboard readouts.
Lightning-Fast Charging with 800-Volt Technology
BMW is upgrading its battery technology with an 800-volt electrical system, significantly boosting charging capabilities. The charging speed, currently capped at 205 kW, will rise to 300 kW, drastically reducing downtime at charging stations.
A key innovation is the introduction of new round lithium-ion battery cells, enabling an impressive recharge rate—adding 300 kilometres of range in just 10 minutes. Additionally, aerodynamic improvements are expected to enhance efficiency, with a 20% reduction in drag coefficient (cW value), further extending range and performance.
With the New Class, BMW is making a bold statement: the future is electric, and the German automaker is determined to lead the charge.
