BMW advances Neue Klasse electric and hydrogen vehicle development

BMW is advancing its multi-pathway electrification strategy, focusing on the Neue Klasse platform and hydrogen fuel cell technology. The company is currently testing prototypes of the upcoming electric M3 and the iX4, the latter of which is expected to feature 800V architecture and significantly improved range and charging speeds. Production for new Neue Klasse models is slated to begin at the Debrecen plant in Hungary.

A major pillar of this strategy is the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, which is moving into a critical validation phase. Developed in collaboration with Toyota, the third-generation fuel cell system is being tested under extreme conditions in Germany and France. The iX5 Hydrogen aims for a range of up to 750 km and a refueling time of under five minutes. Industrial production preparations are already underway at the Steyr plant in Austria, with a target market launch in 2028.

In the Chinese market, the BMW iX3 has seen significant success, securing tens of thousands of orders despite competition from local brands. The Chinese version of the iX3 features a longer wheelbase and localized AI integration to appeal to regional preferences.