- BMW’s new electric SUV has entered pre-production status
- Production is scheduled for late 2025
- Initial production will start in Hungary and Germany, with Mexico joining later
BMW is currently assembling pre-production models of its first next-generation Neue Klasse EVs at the Debrecen plant in Hungary. This phase is crucial for final preparations before series production, which is expected to begin in late 2025. The pre-production process allows for thorough testing of vehicle assembly and logistics processes to ensure a smooth production ramp-up.
BMW Group Plant Debrecen, Hungary
The first model in the Neue Klasse lineup will be an SUV based on the Vision Neue Klasse X concept. Following this, a sedan inspired by the Vision Neue Klasse concept will be introduced, both featuring a minimalist design and advanced technology such as a panoramic head-up display. The Neue Klasse models pay homage to BMW’s 1960s models that revolutionized the brand’s design philosophy.
The Neue Klasse EVs will incorporate cylindrical cells, offering a higher volumetric energy density compared to current prismatic cells. Coupled with an 800-volt electrical architecture, these EVs will benefit from faster charging times and bidirectional charging capability, enabling them to act as backup power sources.
BMW Group Plant Debrecen, Hungary
The Neue Klasse EVs are designed to cater to a wider audience than the BMW i3, with the potential for higher production volumes. After starting production in Hungary, BMW plans to expand production to its main facility in Munich, Germany, followed by San Luis Potosí, Mexico, in 2027.
The Mexican assembly plans, including a new battery facility, could make Neue Klasse models eligible for a federal EV tax credit in the U.S. However, changes in government policies may impact the availability of such incentives in the future.