The Design That Will Change BMW's Future
The upcoming BMW i3, or Vision Neue Klasse, is nothing like the small, Aston Martin Cygnet-like hatchback it replaced, to say the least. The concept sedan that BMW has been showing off highlights bold, sharp lines, without a single curve in sight. The front end has a slight, shark-nose tilt to it, reminiscent of the BMWs of the 1970s, such as the 2002. The distinct kidney grille now lights up and is integrated with the slim, angled LED headlights. Out back, the taillights nearly span the length of the trunk lid but are split in the middle by a small panel with the BMW logo. These design elements seem to have persisted based on the test mule we've spied driving around.
We haven't seen much of the interior, but the concept shots featured little more than an infotainment screen in the middle of the dashboard and a skyroof spanning the headliner. We can only hope that the screen situation will change for the production version, although we're fans of the skyroof.
The upcoming BMW X5 Neue Klasse, or Neue Klasse X, carries most of the i3's design elements but supersizes them in SUV form. The front and rear are largely the same, although the front further embodies the BMWs of the 1970s with a thin, vertical kidney grille. The upcoming X5 also sports a few aerodynamic elements, like large openings in both bumpers, side skirts, and a small spoiler above the rear hatch. The cabin is also largely the same, right down to the skyroof, although the X5 concept images carry a more playful white and orange color scheme that reminds me of some 1960s automotive designs. From what we can gather in the spy shots above, most of these design elements will make it into production.
BMW's upcoming lineup is certainly polarizing, but unapologetically new. With sharp lines, modern technology, and futuristic aesthetics, BMW is really looking to shake things up when these models are set to hit the scene in 2026. What will be interesting is not just seeing how its domestic competitors, such as Mercedes-Benz and Audi, respond, but also how international competitors from Asia and the U.S. will respond. Looking at BMW's concepts and comparing them to other offerings from makes like Hyundai and Kia, one thing is certain: we are entering a new (or Neue) era of automotive design.
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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