During a recent conference call, BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse shed light on a range of forthcoming models and the brand’s evolving electrification strategy, underlining the company’s commitment to embracing electric mobility.
Zipse disclosed that the redesigned 5-Series Touring is set to make its global debut in the spring of the upcoming year. Notably, the wagon version will offer the “same drivetrain portfolio as the sedan,” including an electric i5 Touring variant. This revelation comes as no surprise, considering recent sightings of the model by spy photographers.
Drawing attention to the Neue Klasse, scheduled for production in 2025, Zipse described it as more than just another addition to the BMW brand. It represents a “whole new generation of products,” with plans to launch six Neue Klasse models within a 24-month period, spanning sedans and crossovers. A defining characteristic of these new models is their reliance on all-electric powertrains.
In the realm of electric vehicles (EVs), the MINI Aceman is poised to make its debut in April. While Zipse offered limited details on this “premium-compact” EV, it was previously previewed by a concept model, and spy photographers have captured prototypes on multiple occasions. The MINI Aceman is expected to occupy a position between the Hatch and Countryman models, drawing inspiration from both.
Shifting the focus to the MINI brand, Zipse revealed plans to introduce a direct sales model in Europe. Commencing in Italy, Poland, and Sweden, this rollout will proceed in stages, with BMW slated to follow suit in 2026. The adoption of direct sales promises several advantages, including enhanced price transparency, seamless integration of online and offline customer interactions, and direct access to create an entirely new and improved customer experience.
Lastly, Zipse shared an ambitious electrification vision for Rolls-Royce, noting that the brand aims to become exclusively electric by the “early 2030s.” The forthcoming Spectre model will pave the way for this transition, with deliveries scheduled to commence later this year.
BMW’s strategic insights into these upcoming models and its commitment to electrification underscore the brand’s dedication to offering a diverse range of electric vehicles and creating an enhanced customer experience in the evolving automotive landscape.
