Neue Klasse Vision, BMW
BMW Unveiled the Vision Neue Klasse at the Munich Motor Show, a significant development for the company.
Plans by BMW to release the shark-nosed, simple three-box saloon for production in 2025. Marking the first of six or seven all-electric Neue Klasse models to be launched between 2025 and 2027.
These models will not all be based on the same platform, but they will all utilise BMW’s sixth generation eDrive technology.
Head of BMW Group design Adrian van Hooydonk has said.
‘The design of the Neue Klasse is typically BMW and so progressive it looks like we skipped a model generation.’
The ‘Joyous Bright’ exterior paintwork, featuring a subtle yellow hue, actively accentuates the car’s ‘friendly, future-oriented personality,’ while the black side skirts and bumpers provide a striking contrast.
The next generation of BMW’s iDrive digital driver system will also deliver a user experience that merges real and virtual worlds.
The car will use more recycled or ‘secondary’ raw materials to highlight its eco-friendliness. BMW have also made enhancements to improve recycling and dismantling, also known as ‘circularity’ in green terminology. This is designed to decrease the utilisation of original raw materials and reduce CO2 emissions.
Criticism
In response to criticism in some quarters regarding the size and cartoonish appearance of BMW grilles. The company announced that they are now presenting a fresh interpretation of their signature design elements, such as the BMW kidney grille and double headlights.
Let’s not overlook the exceptional design, which is truly remarkable. The design language is crystal clear, with expansive surfaces and just a few distinctive lines, stripped down to the bare essentials.
The chrome has been deleted, and much of it has been replaced with either LED lighting or recycled plastic.
BMW says it will lead the world with the introduction of ‘BMW Panoramic Vision,’ a widescreen head-up display version available for the first time in the Neue Klasse.
Interior
The interior of the car is equally clean and bright. The car’s interior features yellow corduroy seats, an unexpected addition to a BMW, a square steering wheel, and no chrome or leather.
The next generation of BMW’s iDrive digital driver system will also deliver a user experience that merges real and virtual worlds.
BMW has made remarkable strides in developing its electric vehicles, incorporating advanced technology such as more efficient motors and battery cells that boast 20% higher energy density than their current EVs.
This has led to the creation of a new saloon model that is 25% more efficient than its predecessors, with 30% more range and 30% faster charging capabilities.
While BMW haven’t disclosed exact figures yet, the initial results of this new technology appear quite promising.
Seat’s role changes as the popularity of Cupra continues to soar.
At the Munich Motor Show on Monday, Thomas Schäfer, the chairman of Seat, confirmed that the company’s long-term future does not lie in being a mainstream car maker. Instead, the role will be taken over by Cupra. When asked about the future of Seat, Schäfer stated, “The future of Seat is Cupra.”
Schäfer confirmed Seat’s future role within Volkswagen Group’s long-term plans.
Seat will continue to produce the existing models according to their planned lifecycles, which will extend throughout most of the 2020s.
Customer Loyalty
This strategic move by the group shows its commitment to the Seat brand and its focus on creating new growth opportunities.
Schafer’s statement suggests that the Seat will not retire the brand name but will instead repurpose it, bringing about a positive development for the Seat brand and its loyal customers.
They may expand into other modes of transportation and mobility solutions, such as e-scooters, as they have already done with Seat Mó. Additionally, small cars could remain an option.
According to Schäfer, investing in both Seat and Cupra as mainstream brands was not feasible, and the earning potential for Cupra was much higher. Therefore, the Volkswagen Group has decided to invest heavily in Cupra, significantly increasing its growth and development.
Cupra, once a Seat performance subsidiary, has expanded its offerings and now produces distinctive models.
Cupra Tavascan
The recent release of the Cupra Tavascan follows the successful Cupra Formentor, with plans underway for a new hatchback and sports car. The company’s latest concept car, the Cupra UrbanRebel, will serve as an entry-level hatchback.
Meanwhile, the Cupra DarkRebel will cater to sports car enthusiasts. The concept UrbanRebel will undergo a name change to the Raval when it enters production in 2025 and will join the lineup of vehicles manufactured at Seat’s Martorell factory in Spain, alongside other platform twins from Volkswagen Group brands like the Volkswagen ID 2.
Schäfer affirmed that Volkswagen Group’s investment in Martorell manufacturing facilities demonstrates their unwavering commitment to Spain.
Moreover, their investment of €10 billion in a new EV battery factory in Valencia proves this commitment.
Spanish Government, no transition worries.
Schäfer also pointed out that there are no concerns with the government regarding the transition from Seat and that Cupra has received positive feedback from Spanish consumers. He also emphasised that Cupra is the fastest-growing brand in Europe.
Schäfer revealed that the decision to have Cupra replace Seat had been in the works for quite some time. Although Cupra has always been considered a long-term brand, its success has confirmed this decision.
While there was some debate about reviving Seat, the brand’s history of incurring losses and Cupra’s greater earning potential ultimately made the decision clear.
Schäfer acknowledged that it was a daring move, but he believes it was right in retrospect. He has seen many new brands come and go, but Cupra has proven more significant than established brands such as Alfa Romeo and Polestar.
The Leon may lose the Seat name when it undergoes a facelift in 2024, becoming solely the Cupra Leon.
Ibiza is unlikely to be replaced in its current form when it’s phased out. Meanwhile, Cupra plans to launch an SUV based on the Audi Q3 in 2024.
