Alongside the powertrain, the work on the first all-electric BMW M high-performance vehicle centres on another aspect crucial to the brand’s identity: the development of a new design for future BMW M models. This new design language was unveiled to the world for the first time at the 24 Hours of Le Mans – in the form of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse. The concept car embodies the link to historic models such as the BMW M3 E30 and motorsport. It is instantly recognisable as a high-performance car – and thus remains true to the BMW M motto: “Born on the racetrack. Made for the streets.”
The design is purposeful. To me, that’s actually the most powerful description of what we’re doing for the future.
DESIGN BETWEEN TRADITION AND THE FUTURE.
DESIGN BETWEEN TRADITION AND THE FUTURE.
In the quest to define the future design language for BMW M high-performance vehicles, the aim was to translate the defining characteristics of the M design tradition into a progressive form. Classic traits such as powerful proportions, precise lines, and muscular shoulders with wide wheel arches are combined with the requirements of the all-electric powertrain. In the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse, this is reflected, for example, in a striking air outlet in the V-shaped bonnet, designed to cool the high-performance electric drive.
The front features a classic BMW M design element in the form of the forward-facing ‘shark nose’. A new addition is the M Yellow Lights, borrowed from BMW M Motorsport vehicles, which will become the distinguishing feature of future BMW M models. The front apron of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse is adorned with a trimaran-style bumper, reminiscent of the architecture of high-speed sailing boats. The rear is a real eye-catcher thanks to a new tailgate, milled from a single piece of aluminium and featuring a strikingly interrupted ducktail spoiler.
The BMW M Concept Neue Klasse shows all of the design principles that will appear in the future BMW high-performance models.
M DESIGN DOWN TO THE LAST DETAIL.
M DESIGN DOWN TO THE LAST DETAIL.
The design innovations on the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse extend right down to the finest details. These include the reimagined M aero exterior mirrors in BMW M colours. The newly developed Monza Red metallic paint finish and the red-and-blue-coded centre-lock wheels further emphasise the car’s connection to motorsport. The three-dimensional Track Lights in the outer sections of the front and rear aprons are set to become another distinctive feature of future high-performance models from BMW M.
INTERIEUR: REDUCED TO THE MAX.
INTERIEUR: REDUCED TO THE MAX.
The interior of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse is minimalist and consistently geared towards the driving experience in a next-generation, all-electric BMW M. This is evident in the newly developed bucket seats with integrated structural elements made from natural fibre materials. The seat upholstery in Bathurst Blue and Berry Red echoes the BMW M colours in a two-tone Merino leather finish, while red five-point seatbelts emphasise the sporty character. Red accents on the paddle shifters of the M steering wheel, on the M gear selector in the centre console and in the digital displays combine to create an immersive and, above all, quintessentially M driving experience.
The design needs to be the archetype of M. And the archetype was the BMW M3 E30.
FROM ICON TO ICON.
FROM ICON TO ICON.
For the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse, the development team aimed to create a design language as distinctive as that of the BMW M models now regarded as iconic. It quickly became clear to everyone involved that the best source of inspiration was the one model that, like no other BMW M, had shaped the high-performance sports sedan segment: the BMW M3 E30. Originally developed for motorsport, the model embodied attributes that were also to define the concept car: it had to be bold, intense and focused.
These classic M characteristics were fused with state-of-the-art technologies. In addition to the innovative, all-electric high-performance powertrain, this includes a new composite material made from natural fibres. The material's properties are similar to those of carbon fibre and it has already proven its worth in GT4 racing. The new natural-fibre components save 40 per cent in CO2 emissions during manufacture and are used in the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse on the front splitter, in the bonnet air outlet, in the diffuser and, most strikingly, on the roof.
The new motorsport-tested natural-fibre composite material, as used in the roof with M coloured M branding, reduces CO2 emissions by 40 per cent during production.
PREMIERE AT LE MANS.
PREMIERE AT LE MANS.
On the eve of the Le Mans 24-hour race, the world premiere of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse took place on Friday evening at the Circuit de la Sarthe. In front of an impressed crowd, Sylvia Neubauer, Vice President Customer, Brand & Sales of BMW M GmbH, and Oliver Heilmer, Head of Design BMW Compact Class, Neue Klasse and BMW M, took the concept car for a first spin. On Saturday, before the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse then led the popular BMW M Corso.
The final run down the start-finish straight of the legendary racetrack could certainly be seen as symbolic: the premiere of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse marked the finish of the first lap on the path to an all-electric model range. And at the same time, it marks the start of a new phase on the road to the first series production vehicle.
For me, this project is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It’s generational.
