BMW is aiming to build the ‘perfect electrically-driven car’

BMW i4
(Image credit: BMW)

BMW is charging ahead into an electrified future. The German automaker has confirmed it will release several all-electric models – including sedans, performance vehicles, and SUVs – over the next few years. 

In an interview with CAR Magazine, BMW CEO Oliver Zipse outlined his company’s new ‘Neue Klasse’ architecture, which will allow the brand to pursue the “perfect electrically-driven car.”

Interestingly, Zipse notes that BMW can build its next-generation electric vehicles alongside traditional gas-powered cars in the same factory. Right now, that flexibility allows it to produce models like the i4 EV and standard 4 Series on the same production line in Munich – which in turn allows the automaker to hedge its bets against an uncertain electrified future.  

That same openness about the future also includes a willingness to leave the door open for combustion engines in its new architecture. 

As for the next generation of 3 Series cars, the current G20 models are expected to be phased out in the mid-2020s, around the same time that BMW will be rolling out the Neue Klasse cars. But BMW boss Zipse feels that there could be a time when both a traditional 3 Series and electric versions of the vehicle exist side-by-side. “In some fully electric markets, that might work,” he told CAR. “Globally, serving 140 markets, you might come to a different conclusion.”


Analysis: Going green

BMW’s next wave of vehicles will also be much more sustainable and built using a larger amount of recycled materials. 

For example, the automaker will focus on end-of-life processing for its vehicles, using materials that can be more easily recycled or disposed of. This philosophy is difficult and expensive to introduce to existing vehicles and architectures, Zipse says, but the Neue Klasse allows BMW to engineer the materials into the process from the very beginning.

A revised battery design is also on the way to its new vehicles. The Gen 6 batteries that will power Neue Klasse vehicles are set to carry a higher energy density, faster recharge times, and more recycled materials instead of components that require extensive mining and refinement. 

As for autonomous driving, Zipse says BMW can build an autonomous car, but the regulatory environment is so unstable that it’s not something that will be a near-term goal for the auto industry. 

However, as CAR notes, the Neue Klasse architecture will need to be open enough to accommodate at least Level 4 autonomy with processing and communications technologies.

All in all, then, BMW’s new architecture accommodates a future open to wider developments in the automotive industry – whether that’s a future of total electrification, increased autonomy, or both simultaneously.

Chris Teague
Freelance Contributor

After working in the technology and software industry for several years, Chris began writing as a way to help people outside of that world understand the sometimes very technical work that goes on behind the scenes. With a lifelong love of all things automotive, Chris turned his attention to writing new vehicle reviews, detailing industry trends, and breaking news. Along the way, he earned an MBA with a focus on data analysis that has helped him gain a strong understanding of why the auto industry’s biggest companies make the decisions they do.

Read more
Kia EV9
Exciting new EVs are coming in 2025: here’s what you need to know
BMW Panoramic iDrive
Goodbye, buttons – BMW's new Panoramic iDrive system gives all its cars a massive head-up display with AI assistant
Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge
The most powerful Rolls-Royce in history is electric and it’s here to boost performance – and the marque's luxury appeal
Honda 0 Series 2025
Honda's new Series 0 prototypes suggest it's back on exciting and pioneering EV form
Mercedes-Benz CLA 2025
I’ve tried the new Mercedes-Benz Superscreen – and its Google Gemini-powered smarts push EV infotainment to the next level
Aston Martin Valkyrie
Aston Martin has a bright idea to make future EVs more exciting to drive, but it’s not what you think
Latest in Hybrid & Electric Vehicles
Renault 5 Turbo 3E
Renault unveils its wildest EV to date and it comes with in-wheel motors and a rally-style vertical handbrake for drifting
Mercedes-Benz CLA 2025
I’ve tried the new Mercedes-Benz Superscreen – and its Google Gemini-powered smarts push EV infotainment to the next level
The Toyota FT-Me Concept sitting in a car park
Toyota's self-charging concept EV could help you tackle the daily commute on solar power alone
Nissan EvolvAD Autonomous Drive on the road
I’ve tried Nissan’s latest advanced driverless technology – and it handles 60mph on rural roads better than most humans
Rivian R1T
Big Rivian update delivers hands-off driving to rival Tesla Autopilot – and a new 'Rally' mode
The Deepal EO7 from the side, an SUV and pick-up truck combo
I drove an electric SUV that transforms into a pick-up, and it’s as fun as it is functional
Latest in News
Panos Panay and Alexa Plus
Amazon's Panos Panay teases future Alexa+ devices from speakers to possible wearables
Metroid Prime 4
I reckon the Nintendo Switch 2 could launch with Metroid Prime 4 – here’s why
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
New rumors predict a foldable iPhone will launch next year – and cost almost twice as much as the iPhone 16 Pro Max
Pebble smartwatch countdown
Pebble confirms its smartwatch announcement is just hours away
Logo of YouTube Shorts
Is YouTube auto-playing Shorts when you open the app? Well, you’re not alone - here’s how to fix it
Google DeepMind panel discussion
“More sovereignty and protection” - Google goes all-in on UK AI with data residency, upskilling projects, and startup investments