BMW is creating a brand new household of EVs dubbed “Neue Klasse,” German for “New Class,” and supplied a glimpse of the design path of these vehicles with the BMW i Imaginative and prescient Dee idea.

Unveiled at CES in Las Vegas, the i Imaginative and prescient Dee is a compact sedan with what BMW calls a “reductive design” that appears to us to be a throwback to the E30 3-Collection. Like that basic, this idea has a standard three-box profile with a protracted hood, upright cabin, and distinct trunk lid part.

Whereas the design is perhaps simplified—to a level that purges all sprint shows—a number of the tech does not sound that approach. The Dee on this idea’s title stands for “Digital Emotional Expertise,” highlighting the numerous digital options BMW feels shall be an necessary a part of future vehicles.

BMW i Imaginative and prescient Dee idea

BMW says the i Imaginative and prescient Dee can have nearly human qualities, together with expressing “moods comparable to pleasure, astonishment or approval” by utilizing its headlights and lighting parts within the grille to simulate facial expressions, in response to a press launch. The automotive also can show a customized welcome message when a driver approaches it.

The inside is basically naked apart from primary controls and a head-up show spanning the width of the dashboard. Utilizing a slide controller, drivers can select from 5 ranges of data, starting from primary driving-related info to a full augmented-reality show with digital parts.

The Neue Klasse autos are scheduled to start out manufacturing in 2025, marking a serious shift for BMW in a number of methods. They are going to usher in cylindrical cell to pack tech as a substitute for the prismatic cells utilized in present BMW EVs, with anticipated sooner charging and a variety enchancment.

BMW i Imaginative and prescient Dee idea

Neue Klasse fashions are additionally on account of be primarily based on an EV-specific platform, splitting away from internal-combustion fashions. Present BMW EVs just like the i4 and i7 share platforms with internal-combustion autos.

BMW has hinted that the Neue Klasse platform might accommodate hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains as properly. CEO Oliver Zipse additionally beforehand declared that EVs primarily based on devoted platforms are likely to look alike, and that BMW would attempt to keep away from this design rut. Judging by this idea, it seems to have checked that field.