--- title: "BMW Will Launch a New Modular EV Platform in 2025" description: "Joining the likes of General Motors and Volkswagen, BMW is finally going to have a dedicated EV platform called Neue Klasse." date: "2022-05-09" modified: "2022-05-09" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/tech/bmw-will-launch-a-new-modular-ev-platform-in-2025" categories: - "BMW News" - "Car Tech" - "Electric Vehicles" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "BMW" - "Electric Vehicle" --- # BMW Will Launch a New Modular EV Platform in 2025 ![A BMW 330e hybrid charges up.]() *\BMW\* While brands like [Tesla](), Volkswagen, General Motors, and Ford have all developed or are developing their own bespoke electric platforms, BMW's been sitting on the sidelines with its flexible platforms, built for both internal combustion *and* electrification. Cars like the [BMW i4](), iX3, and recently announced iX1 are all built on this flexible platform, called "CLAR" in BMW-speak. However, the Bavarians finally realized that a devoted and modular EV architecture is the way of the future. BMW will finally have its own dedicated EV platform, called the Neue Klasse platform, according to *[Automotive News Europe]()*. The Neue Klasse name, meaning "New Class," is a nod to the old Neue Klasse of cars from the 1960s, including the famous [BMW 2002](). However, this new Neue Klasse seems like it will underpin most of BMW's upcoming models past 2025, starting with the next-gen 3 Series. During a recent earnings call with investors, BMW CEO Oliver Zipse stated that the Neue Klasse platform will begin production in 2025 at the brand's new Hungary plant. "When it hits the market, it will be concentrated on the 3 Series segment and at that point in time the market will have developed into a size where it is reasonable to have only one drivetrain in that architecture," Zipse said. He also said that, at first, the platform will be "mainly focused on the middle car (midsize) segment. It does not cover from the lower segments all the way to the luxury segments." ![A BMW i4 M50, one of the brand's current EV offerings.]() *Fabian Kirchbauer Photography* A BMW spokesperson expanded on that, saying that while this new EV platform will start with the 3 Series, it will expand from there. "The Neue Klasse starts with models from the middle car segment, but of course, there is more to come," the person told *Automotive News Europe*. They also said that the Neue Klasse would range from high-volume cars all the way to high-performance models, hinting at future all-electric BMW M cars. This is the most BMW's discussed the Neue Klasse platform yet, with most of its details being shrouded in mystery over the past year or so. It will also be the first all-electric platform from BMW to be used on multiple vehicles. The [BMW i3]() and [iX]() use bespoke EV architectures, but they're one-offs and won't be used for any other cars. They also happen to be BMW's best EVs to date. Thankfully, Neue Klasse should be a big step up for BMW's electric future, with Zipse claiming that “It represents a quantum leap in technology." BMW develops its electric powertrains entirely in-house. Much like [Lucid](), BMW's current [Gen5 EV powertrain]()—used in the iX and i4—consists of the electric motor, transmission, and all requisite electronics in one unit. However, BMW is said to have an even better powertrain planned for Neue Klasse cars “with more output, new cell chemistry and new cell formats,” Zipse said. Zipse didn't clarify what sort of improvements might be made to the Gen5 powertrain, but I'd suspect efficiency would be the main target. While BMW's current EV powertrain is mostly impressive—capable of sports car-rivaling performance in cars like the [i4 M50]()—it lacks the efficiency of powertrains from Tesla and Lucid. Still, it's encouraging to see more brands like BMW switch to pure and modular EV platforms, as they support better electric vehicles than flexible platforms. They're often lighter, offer far superior packaging and interior space, and allow for far more design freedom, leading to better-looking cars. Also, someone needs to give the [Tesla Model 3]() a run for its money. An all-electric 3 Series might just be that car. *Got a tip? Email tips@thedrive.com.* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()