While 2025 is still some time away, BMW is working hard on its new-generation of vehicles, dubbed Neue Klasse. We went to Germany to learn more about the new 6th-generation powertrain and battery technology that will power these vehicles.

We’re in the middle of a globalarms race when it comes to electrification and battery tech. Granted, this may seem a bit far-fetched locally as South Africa experiences challenges with a stable electricity supply, but the European car brands are forging ahead towards an electric and emission-free future.

BMW is currently hard at work with its new generation of electric vehicles which are set for reveal in 2025. Dubbed the ‘Neue Klasse’ these vehicles feature a brand-new platform and new battery tech. It’s deeply impressive to see how rapidly battery tech has evolved over such a short period of time. If we compare the first version of BMW i3 which we drove back in 2015 to the final model, the physical size of the battery didn’t change, but the range almost doubled.

Old vs New

Now BMW is preparing its 6th-generation electric powertrain. We’ve got considerable experience under our belt with the current 5th-generation electric tech in the BMW iX, BMW iX3 and BMW i4 M50. Under the skin, the batteries are a rectangular prismshape and are neatly packed into a modular frame.

For the 6th generation, the batteries have been substantially upgraded. Physically, the shape has gone from rectangular to cylindrical, and will be assembled in two sizes: 46 mm x 95 mm and 46 mm x 120 mm.

Gen5 battery packs – the Gen6 cylinder batteries won’t need complex packaging.

One of the advantages of this change is the enhanced charging, with the new batteries being able to charge up to 30% quicker. Inside, the chemical composition sees less cobalt and more silicon and nickel, which has resulted in improved energy density and range. BMW reckons 30% more range is possible.

Impressively, the production costs for the new batteries is up to 50% less in comparison to the current 5th-gen batteries and the efficiency in manufacturing will see a CO2 reduction by 60%. Going the cylindrical route has also seen improvements in thermal management. The batteries are being sourced from Chinese battery companies CATL and EVE from 6 factories on 3 continents.

The advancements for Neue Klasse don’t stop there as there’ll also be new 800v architecture that will see rapid charging. Claims of 10%-80% in around 20 minutes are being touted, which is incredible. So, what vehicles are we likely to see come 2025? BMW has not released much info on the brand-new vehicles, but we reckon there’ll be a sedan and an SUV. Don’t expect the petrol- and diesel-powered BMWs to just vanish overnight however, as not all markets (like South Africa) will be able to go fully electric once the ICE ban of 2030 in Europe kicks in.

Hopefully the Neue Klasse won’t look as outrageous as the2021BMW i Vision Circular Concept here.Of course, range anxiety is still an issue for many. Right now, the best range offered by an electric BMW is549-630 km for the iX50, but with the new-generation of electric vehicles we should see at least 800 km available.

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