BMW is set to introduce a new era of vehicle architecture with the launch of its Neue Klasse electric vehicle (EV) lineup, beginning with an SUV expected to be named the iX3. Scheduled for production at the Debrecen plant in Hungary later this year, the Neue Klasse aims to redefine how electric vehicles are engineered, focusing on efficiency, performance, and digital integration.
One of the most significant advancements in the Neue Klasse is its shift to a zonal wiring harness architecture. Traditional vehicles rely on approximately 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) of wiring to connect various systems. In contrast, the Neue Klasse will reduce this to about 2,000 feet (600 meters), resulting in a 30% lighter and less complex wiring system.
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This streamlined approach divides the vehicle’s wiring into four distinct zones—front end, center, rear, and roof—enhancing modularity and simplifying maintenance while improving overall energy efficiency.
The EV’s digital backbone will be powered by four high-performance computing units, referred to as “Superbrains,” designed to handle all major functions, including infotainment, automated driving, climate control, and driving dynamics. BMW states that these processors will provide more than 20 times the computing power of its current models.
The system will also be designed to accommodate software updates, allowing for AI-driven enhancements and new features over time. This flexible architecture enables BMW to develop and deploy new vehicle functions independently of the hardware manufacturing process.
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Another technological shift in the Neue Klasse is the replacement of traditional fuses with digital Smart eFuses. These electronic components will replace up to 150 conventional fuses, allowing for more precise energy distribution. With this system, BMW aims to introduce intelligent power modes tailored for different vehicle states, such as driving, parking, charging, and over-the-air software updates. Additionally, the digital fuses will help detect and deactivate unnecessary energy consumption, contributing to an expected 20% increase in energy efficiency.
To support the integration of these innovations, BMW is developing over 20 GB of software, 1,000 software modules, and approximately 500 million lines of code for the Neue Klasse. The automaker plans to implement these advancements across its future models, ensuring a scalable and upgradable software platform that can evolve with technological progress.
While BMW has gradually revealed technical details about the Neue Klasse, further specifications, including the performance and driving characteristics of the first model, are expected to be announced in the near future.
