In This ArticleBMW’s electrical roadmap is commonly described as a “transition,” however that phrase undersells how deliberate the technique really is. Over the following a number of years, BMW might be operating, by selection, two basically totally different EV architectures in parallel: the present 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’t wait. It’s additionally price noting that the Neue Klasse expertise and design might 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, totally electric-only structure, designed from the bottom up round sixth-generation battery expertise, structural battery integration, centralized computing (Coronary heart of Pleasure), and a totally new 800V electrical structure. It’s not 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 vital is what BMW has not stated: CLAR just isn’t going away in a single day. Or ever. Massive autos, high-margin SUVs, and sure M derivatives will proceed on CLAR effectively into the second half of the last decade. And probably past it.
That overlap explains the product combine we’re about to see.
A Needed Disclaimer: What’s Confirmed, What’s Inferred
BMW has not formally confirmed the total EV lineup for both structure. What we all know at the moment 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 unbiased product-forecast analysis companies.
- Logically inevitable merchandise, primarily based on BMW’s current lineup, platform scalability, and market segmentation.
All the things beneath matches into a type of buckets. None of it contradicts BMW’s public technique — and far of it’s already seen in case 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 Collection 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 predicted to comply with, aligning with BMW’s conventional SUV-coupe technique.
On the sedan aspect, the NA0 i3 is a very powerful automotive BMW will launch this decade. It replaces the CLAR-based electrical 3 Collection method with a devoted EV sedan, adopted intently 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 Collection 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 convey Neue Klasse expertise downmarket, together with a long-wheelbase X1 variant for China.
On the prime quality, we count on a successor of the favored BMW i7 electrical limousine. The codename has been rumored for some time, ND0, and we don’t count on that to alter. The second technology i7 will convey Neue Klasse tech into the posh flagship phase, changing at the moment’s CLAR-based i7 with a platform that lastly permits BMW to rethink proportions, cabin house, and battery integration with out compromise.
BMW M Will Be Electrified Additionally
Neue Klasse can 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 relatively 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 autos onto a brand-new platform when CLAR already helps worthwhile, well-understood merchandise. That’s why the following technology of huge 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 autos prioritize house, towing functionality, and luxury over cutting-edge effectivity, making CLAR a wonderfully acceptable compromise.
On the very high sits the ALPINA iX7 (G99), a product that nearly defines why CLAR should exist alongside Neue Klasse. ALPINA clients count on 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 Cut up Really Makes Sense
From the surface, operating 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 car habits
- Lengthy-term scalability
CLAR stays ideally suited for:
- Massive, premium SUVs
- Decrease-risk EV conversions
- Markets the place EV uptake is slower
- Excessive-margin area of interest merchandise
BMW just isn’t hedging its bets — it’s sequencing them.
Neue Klasse might finally change CLAR completely 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 every day, however that’s the great thing about this cut up method: BMW appears able to rapidly adapt. Till then, this dual-platform technique permits BMW to maintain promoting automobiles individuals really purchase, whereas quietly constructing the inspiration for what comes subsequent.
In fact, there are doubtless different merchandise within the pipeline, on each architectures, so hopefully we be taught extra about these sooner or later and produce a brand new replace to this listing.
