The German company BMW is preparing a new aggregate base called Neue Klasse. It will be suitable for the use of all major types of power plants: 1) purely electric, 2) plug-in hybrid, 3) conventional gasoline or diesel. However, the basic configuration of the Neue Klasse is electric. The new platform is possible monoprivod with rear-wheel drive or 4x4 transmission.
According to Automotive News, Neue Klasse will gradually replace two current platforms in the BMW range: UKL and CLAR. The first is front-wheel drive, has been produced since 2014 and has been used for compact models and Mini, the second has been made since 2015 - the main BMW models with rear or all-wheel drive rely on it.
UKL and CLAR were originally created for the use of internal combustion engines and "rechargeable hybrid" systems, but they have also been adapted for purely electric installations. New electric vehicles iX3, i4, iX are made on CLAR.
The Neue Klasse architecture will allow BMW to increase the share of electric vehicles in the sales structure to 50% by 2030. The chief technologist of the company, Frank Weber, said that the Neue Klasse is the maximum flexible chassis, it can be scaled from compact to full-size machines. It will provide the ability to customize to the requirements of consumers from different regions, as well as updating the operating system "over the air".
The Mini brand will be the first in the BMW structure to completely abandon the production of cars with internal combustion engines - in 2030. The next-generation Mini will be built on a different platform that BMW is developing with China's Great Wall as part of a Spotlight Automotive joint venture (created in 2019). The new Mini electric hatchback will be released in 2023. The third generation Countryman crossover also uses a German-Chinese chassis. Mini plans to actively develop production in China, as demand for the brand line is growing in this country.
Recall that the Mini range still has an electric car - Cooper SE, it has been produced since 2019.
BMW intends to build all its cars on the same platform
