In This ArticleBMW’s electrical roadmap is usually described as a “transition,” however that phrase undersells how deliberate the technique really is. Over the subsequent a number of years, BMW will likely be working, by alternative, two basically completely different EV architectures in parallel: the prevailing CLAR platform and the all-new Neue Klasse platform, internally often called NCAR. Understanding the distinction between the 2 is essential to understanding why sure fashions are coming when they’re — and why others merely can not wait. It’s additionally price noting that the Neue Klasse know-how and design will likely be shared amongst these two architectures.
Earlier than diving into product names and codenames, it’s price beginning with the structure itself.
CLAR vs. Neue Klasse: Two EV Philosophies
CLAR was by no means designed as a pure electrical platform. It’s BMW’s modular, rear-wheel-drive-based structure that has supported combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen and EVs beneath the identical umbrella. That flexibility is its energy — and its limitation. Packaging is constrained by onerous factors designed round engines and transmissions, which suggests battery placement, cabin proportions, and effectivity are considerably compromised in comparison with a clean-sheet EV design. However what BMW is gaining is flexibility of their manufacturing, one thing that has paid off handsomely for the corporate thus far.
Neue Klasse (NCAR) is the other. It’s BMW’s first high-volume, absolutely electric-only structure, designed from the bottom up round sixth-generation battery know-how, structural battery integration, centralized computing (Coronary heart of Pleasure), and a totally new 800V electrical structure. It isn’t an evolution of CLAR — it’s a reset.
BMW has been clear that Neue Klasse will finally underpin the core of the model. However equally essential is what BMW has not mentioned: CLAR shouldn’t be going away in a single day. Or ever. Massive automobiles, high-margin SUVs, and sure M derivatives will proceed on CLAR nicely into the second half of the last decade. And probably past it.
That overlap explains the product combine we’re about to see.
A Mandatory Disclaimer: What’s Confirmed, What’s Inferred
BMW has not formally confirmed the complete EV lineup for both structure. What we all know at this time falls into three classes:
- Formally confirmed merchandise, such because the NA0 i3, ZA0 M3 and the Neue Klasse iX3.
- Strongly corroborated merchandise, supported by provider info, sources, spy pictures and impartial product-forecast analysis corporations.
- Logically inevitable merchandise, primarily based on BMW’s present lineup, platform scalability, and market segmentation.
All the pieces under matches into a type of buckets. None of it contradicts BMW’s public technique — and far of it’s already seen should you perceive how BMW plans generations, derivatives, and manufacturing footprints.
Neue Klasse (NCAR): The Electrical Core of BMW
Neue Klasse begins the place BMW quantity begins: the three Sequence and X3 segments. These are the model’s world spine, and BMW has confirmed that Neue Klasse will anchor itself right here earlier than increasing outward.
The primary manufacturing Neue Klasse SUV would be the iX3 (NA5), adopted by a long-wheelbase variant (NA6) primarily geared toward China. A sportier iX4 (NA7) is anticipated to comply with, aligning with BMW’s conventional SUV-coupe technique.
On the sedan facet, the NA0 i3 is an important automotive BMW will launch this decade. It replaces the CLAR-based electrical 3 Sequence method with a devoted EV sedan, adopted carefully by the NA1 i3 Touring, reinforcing BMW’s dedication to wagons — even within the EV period.
From there, the lineup expands logically. Coupe and convertible physique kinds re-emerge as NA2 i4 Coupe and NA3 i4 Convertible, signaling that Neue Klasse isn’t just about effectivity, however about emotional physique kinds BMW has traditionally defended.
On the compact finish, the 1 Sequence is rumored to lastly get an electrical model, known as the i1 (NB0). Electrical X1 derivatives (NB5 and NB6 long-wheelbase) are additionally anticipated after this technology iX1 is retired. They’ll carry Neue Klasse know-how downmarket, together with a long-wheelbase X1 variant for China.
On the high quality, we anticipate a successor of the favored BMW i7 electrical limousine. The codename has been rumored for some time, ND0, and we don’t anticipate that to alter. The second technology i7 will carry Neue Klasse tech into the luxurious flagship section, changing at this time’s CLAR-based i7 with a platform that lastly permits BMW to rethink proportions, cabin area, and battery integration with out compromise.
BMW M Will Be Electrified Additionally
Neue Klasse can also be the place BMW M’s electrical future begins in earnest. Absolutely electrical M Efficiency and full M fashions — together with ZA5 X3 M electrical, ZA7 X4 M electrical, and ZA2 M4 Electrical — are anticipated to debut right here, leveraging the platform’s centralized computing and torque-vectoring capabilities quite than retrofitting efficiency onto a versatile structure.
CLAR EVs: Why BMW Nonetheless Wants the Previous Platform
If Neue Klasse is BMW’s future, CLAR stays its current — particularly for giant SUVs. BMW has little incentive to hurry full-size automobiles onto a brand-new platform when CLAR already helps worthwhile, well-understood merchandise. That’s why the subsequent technology of enormous electrical SUVs will proceed on CLAR.
These embody the iX5 (G65), iX6 (G66), and iX7 (G67) — electrical counterparts to BMW’s largest and most profitable ICE fashions. These automobiles prioritize area, towing functionality, and luxury over cutting-edge effectivity, making CLAR a superbly acceptable compromise.
On the very high sits the ALPINA iX7 (G99), a product that just about defines why CLAR should exist alongside Neue Klasse. ALPINA prospects anticipate refinement, energy, and continuity — not early adoption of radical architectures.
BMW has already confirmed the iX5 publicly, and the remaining comply with naturally from BMW’s product cadence and SUV hierarchy.
Why This Break up Really Makes Sense
From the surface, working two EV architectures can look inefficient. In actuality, it provides BMW strategic flexibility at a time when EV adoption charges, rules, and regional demand stay uneven.
Neue Klasse is optimized for:
- Excessive-volume segments
- Effectivity and charging efficiency
- Software program-defined automobile habits
- Lengthy-term scalability
CLAR stays ultimate for:
- Massive, premium SUVs
- Decrease-risk EV conversions
- Markets the place EV uptake is slower
- Excessive-margin area of interest merchandise
BMW shouldn’t be hedging its bets — it’s sequencing them.
Neue Klasse may finally substitute CLAR solely for EVs, although that’ one thing that nobody is aware of at this level. The political panorama throughout the globe appears to be shifting weekly, if not day by day, however that’s the great thing about this cut up method: BMW appears able to shortly adapt. Till then, this dual-platform technique permits BMW to maintain promoting vehicles individuals really purchase, whereas quietly constructing the inspiration for what comes subsequent.
After all, there are doubtless different merchandise within the pipeline, on each architectures, so hopefully we study extra about these sooner or later and produce a brand new replace to this listing.
