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The BMW Group has always encouraged innovation. This forward-looking philosophy has enabled and defined a number of important milestones in the company’s history. From its early years in 1917 where the “BMW IIIA” was the first aircraft engine with aluminium pistons meaning that the straight-six engine could operate at high altitude. To a more contemporary 2001, where BMW became the first manufacturer in the world to introduce a fully-variable valve lift system in the engine of the 316ti.
The BMW 1500 debuted at the 1961 Frankfurt Motor Show as the first of the Neue Klasse models, designed to be like something no vehicle manufacturer had done before the original Neue Klasse represented innovation at BMW’s core.
Fast forward to September 2023, where BMW shook the motoring world (yet again) by delivering the Vision Neue Klasse concept at the IAA Mobility show in Munich. With stunning, yet subtle hints to the Neue Klasse of the 60s like the chiselled shape and almost retro interior; but being in a whole world of its own with hyper-modern elements like 3D-printed lighting elements.
The Neue Klasse platform is designed exclusively for electric vehicles (EVs) and integrates batteries into the vehicle's structure. The battery packs vary in capacity, ranging from 75.0 to 150.0 kilowatt-hours. The drivetrain is compatible with 800-volt packs and enables fast charging at a maximum rate of 270 kilowatts. When connected to a power source, the Neue Klasse can extend its range by 30 miles every minute.
With the world premiere of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X, BMW is now announcing another innovation set to enter series production: the ability to charge bidirectionally. This technology makes it possible to use the high-voltage battery of an all-electric vehicle as an energy storage device and to return the cached electricity to either your own household supply or the power grid at a later stage.
“We are constantly improving our range of charging products and services in order to maximise the benefit to the customer. Starting this summer, we will be offering cost-optimised charging together with our partner E.ON in a number of markets. And with the Neue Klasse we will be taking the next step: bidirectional charging. Vehicle to Home and Vehicle to Grid, all fully integrated into our comprehensive charging ecosystem – BMW Connected Home Charging. Using the vehicle, the My BMW App, the BMW backend – plus a BMW DC Wallbox Professional and their photovoltaic system, customers will be able to control the energy flow in such a way that home charging is possible off grid at times. And, of course, they will also be able to lower their charging costs by feeding the electricity stored in their BMW back into the power grid.”
Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Development.
Bidirectional charging not only ensures greater supply security. By both accepting and supplying electricity, electric vehicles can make a significant contribution to the share of electricity consumption coming from renewable sources.
It’s extremely exciting to see the development of the Neue Klasse, keep an eye on our website for any further updates.
