BMW’s taking a major step forward in its EV journey, starting pre-production of its first Neue Klasse electric vehicles at their brand-new plant in Debrecen, Hungary, according to Motor Authority.

New iX3 Leading the Charge

The first Neue Klasse vehicle hitting the production line will be a compact crossover, likely to be badged as the iX3. What’s really interesting is that this isn’t just another EV – it’s packing some serious tech upgrades. BMW’s promising a 30% boost in range compared to their current electric lineup, thanks to new cylindrical battery cells replacing their older prismatic design.

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Timeline and Production Details

The Hungarian plant’s already busy building pre-production models, which they’ll use for everything from crash testing to weather validation. The real deal – customer vehicles – will start rolling off the line in late 2025, meaning we’ll probably see these hitting U.S. showrooms as 2026 models.

Tech Highlights and Design Philosophy

The Neue Klasse platform comes equipped with an advanced 800-volt electrical system, enabling faster charging times. Combined with next-generation battery technology and BMW’s signature handling characteristics through proprietary drive and chassis control software, these EVs are shaping up to be game-changers. As BMW notes, “Pre-production vehicles are typically used for crash tests, weather tests, and final road validation,” providing crucial data before full production begins.

Future Lineup Expansion

Following the iX3, BMW’s planning to launch a compact sedan in 2026, likely to be branded as the i3 and integrated into the next-gen 3-Series family. While these EVs will have their own distinct styling, BMW’s keeping it subtle – you’ll notice the differences from their gas counterparts, but they won’t be dramatic.

EVXL’s Take

This move by BMW represents a significant evolution in the luxury EV space. Looking at BMW’s electric journey, the Neue Klasse platform seems poised to challenge competitors like Tesla and Mercedes in a big way. The focus on increased range and faster charging directly addresses key consumer concerns about EVs, while maintaining BMW’s performance DNA.

What do you think about BMW’s approach to their next-gen EVs? Share your thoughts in the comments below.