In This ArticleBMW’s electrical roadmap is commonly described as a “transition,” however that phrase undersells how deliberate the technique truly is. Over the subsequent a number of years, BMW might be operating, by selection, two basically totally different EV architectures in parallel: the prevailing CLAR platform and the all-new Neue Klasse platform, internally generally known as 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 know-how 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 below the identical umbrella. That flexibility is its energy — and its limitation. Packaging is constrained by onerous factors designed round engines and transmissions, which implies 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 to date.
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’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 essential is what BMW has not stated: CLAR will not be going away in a single day. Or ever. Giant autos, high-margin SUVs, and sure M derivatives will proceed on CLAR effectively into the second half of the last decade. And presumably past it.
That overlap explains the product combine we’re about to see.
A Essential 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 photographs and impartial product-forecast analysis corporations.
- Logically inevitable merchandise, primarily based on BMW’s current lineup, platform scalability, and market segmentation.
The whole lot beneath matches into a type of buckets. None of it contradicts BMW’s public technique — and far of it’s already seen in the event 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 predicted to comply with, aligning with BMW’s conventional SUV-coupe technique.
On the sedan facet, the NA0 i3 is crucial 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 types re-emerge as NA2 i4 Coupe and NA3 i4 Convertible, signaling that Neue Klasse is not only about effectivity, however about emotional physique types BMW has traditionally defended.
On the compact finish, the 1 Sequence is rumored to lastly get an electrical model, referred to as the i1 (NB0). Electrical X1 derivatives (NB5 and NB6 long-wheelbase) are additionally anticipated after this era iX1 is retired. They are going to convey Neue Klasse know-how downmarket, together with a long-wheelbase X1 variant for China.
On the top 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 vary. The second era i7 will convey Neue Klasse tech into the luxurious flagship phase, changing at the moment’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 somewhat than retrofitting efficiency onto a versatile structure.
CLAR EVs: Why BMW Nonetheless Wants the Outdated 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 subsequent era of huge electrical SUVs will proceed on CLAR.
These embrace the iX5 (G65), iX6 (G66), and iX7 (G67) — electrical counterparts to BMW’s largest and most profitable ICE fashions. These autos 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 nearly defines why CLAR should exist alongside Neue Klasse. ALPINA clients 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 Cut up Truly Makes Sense
From the skin, operating two EV architectures can look inefficient. In actuality, it offers 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 excellent for:
- Giant, premium SUVs
- Decrease-risk EV conversions
- Markets the place EV uptake is slower
- Excessive-margin area of interest merchandise
BMW will not be hedging its bets — it’s sequencing them.
Neue Klasse might finally substitute CLAR completely for EVs, despite the fact that 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 break up method: BMW appears able to shortly adapt. Till then, this dual-platform technique permits BMW to maintain promoting automobiles individuals truly purchase, whereas quietly constructing the inspiration for what comes subsequent.
In fact, there are probably 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.
