BMW unveils Vision Neue Klasse: Showcasing the brand’s high-tech, efficient future
For over two years, BWW has been vowing to release a new class of high-tech vehicles with drastically improved efficiency. The company unveiled its “Vision Neue Klasse” for the first time on Saturday, giving us a glimpse into what the BMW brand will look like in the future.
CEO Oliver Zipse revealed BMW’s three-step plan in March 2021 to transform the automaker in the wake of the electric era.
The first phase involved pioneering Project “i,” transferring electric know-how to series production with models (particularly plug-in hybrids) like the i3 and i8.
For its second phase, BMW began offering all-electric powertrain options in some of its most popular segments, with the i4, i5, i7, and more. Now, the automaker is giving us a glimpse into its third phase with the BMW Vision Neue Klasse.
The term “Neue Klasse” is in reference to BMW’s small, sporty cars released in the 1960s that helped carve out a new segment for the brand.
Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development, said:
With the Neue Klasse, we have embarked on the biggest investment in the company’s history. We are not just writing the next chapter of BMW; we’re writing a whole new book. That’s why the Neue Klasse will certainly impact all model generations.
The new class of vehicles, set to debut in 2025, will ride on a drastically improved EV platform designed to shape the brand’s future. BMW says the new class will feature “30% more range, 30% faster charging, and a 25% overall improvement in vehicle efficiency.”
Meet BMW’s Vision Neue Klasse electric models
The exterior design features will define the different models from BMW’s Neue Klasse. As the head of BMW Group Design explained, “The design of the Neue Klasse is typically BMW and so progressive it looks like we skipped a model generation.”
There’s no denying that. You can see distinct BMW features like robust wheel arches, retractable greenhouse, and “shark-nose” front end, but in a somewhat futuristic upgrade.
The new EV concept includes an almost monolithic vehicle body, large windows, and indentations at the front and rear ends, giving it a unique aesthetic.
Other design elements like the signature BMW kidney grille and double headlights are fused into one area up front.
Next-gen BMW iDrive
The Neue Klasse models will be loaded with the next generation of BMW iDrive. Interaction with the car will occur through BMW Panoramic Vision, the central display, and (a few) buttons on the steering wheel. Other than that, most analog controls are removed.
For the first time, BMW’s Neue Klasse vehicles will feature BMW Panoramic Vision, a new high-tech head-up display displayed on the bottom third of the windshield.
The new BMW 3D head-up display shows active driving information with 3D animations. With the multifunction steering wheel, users can control the display contents of the Panoramic vision and BMW 3D head-up display with their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
BMW says the minimalist interior, which is entirely free of decorative chrome or leather, will help optimize its carbon footprint while in production.
The Neue Klass is focused on efficiency inside the vehicle and out. BMW says the new electric models will be built at its new Debrecen, Hungary plant “entirely without fossil fuels and with much wider use of raw and secondary materials produced with reduced CO2.”
The vehicles will feature high energy efficiency with optimized weight, air, and rolling resistance alongside an intelligent heat management system.
In addition to high-efficiency electric motors, advances in BMW eDrive tech include new round battery cells, offering 20% higher energy density than the previous prismatic ones. Charging speed will also be improved by up to 30% while range will be boosted by up to 30%.
The changes increase overall vehicle efficiency by up to 25%, according to BMW. BMW’s Neue Klasse is expected to begin rolling out in 2025 with two new models. The first is expected to be a production version of the model shown at IAA, while the second is an SUV.
The Vision Vehicle will be shown to the public for the first time at IAA Mobility in Munich from September 5 to 10.
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The Stripe logo on a smartphone with U.S. dollar banknotes in the background.
Budrul Chukrut | SOPA Images | LightRocket via Getty Images
Stripe cut 300 jobs, representing about 3.5% of its workforce, mostly in product, engineering and operations, CNBC has confirmed.
The payments company, valued at about $70 billion in the private markets, still expects to increase headcount by 10,000 by the end of the year, which would be a 17% increase, and is “not slowing down hiring,” according to a memo to staff from Chief People Office Rob McIntosh. Business Insider reported earlier on the cuts and the memo.
A Stripe spokesperson also confirmed to CNBC that a cartoon image of a duck with text that read, “US-Non-California Duck,” was accidentally attached as a PDF to emails sent to some of the employees who were laid off. Some of the emails mistakenly provided affected employees with an incorrect termination date, the spokesperson said.
McIntosh sent a follow-up email to staffers apologizing for the “notification error” and “any confusion it caused.”
“Corrected and full notifications have since been sent to all impacted Stripes,” he wrote.
In 2022, Stripe cut roughly 1,100 jobs, or 14% of its workers, downsizing alongside most of the tech industry, as soaring inflation and rising interest rates forced companies to focus on profits over growth. The Information reported that Stripe had a few dozen layoffs in its recruiting department in 2023.
Stripe’s valuation sank from a peak of $95 billion in 2021 to $50 billion in 2023, before reportedly rebounding to $70 billion last year as part of a secondary share sale. The company ranked third on last year’s CNBC Disruptor 50 list.
In October, Stripe agreed to pay $1.1 billion for crypto startup Bridge Network, whose technology is focused on making it easy for businesses to transact using digital currencies.
Brothers Patrick and John Collison, who founded Stripe in 2010, have intentionally steered clear of the public markets and have given no indication that an offering is on the near-term horizon. Total payment volume at the company surpassed $1 trillion in 2023.
WATCH: Early Bridge investor weighs in on $1.1 billion Stripe deal
Thinking about upgrading your EV? Rivian (RIVN) launched a new promo on Tuesday, offering up to $6,000 to upgrade your R1S or R1T. Here’s how you can snag some savings.
Rivian R1S and R1T upgrade deal offers up to $6,000
Rivian delivered over 51,500 vehicles last year as the EV maker gains momentum. Although it was only slightly higher than the ~50,100 delivered in 2023, Rivian is expected to see even more growth this year.
After shutting down its Normal, IL manufacturing plant last April and renegotiating supplier contracts, Rivian has seen “significant cost improvements,” according to CEO RJ Scaringe.
Rivian also began delivering its next-gen R1S and R1T models last year. The new Large and Max battery packs have redesigned modules and more efficient packaging, “making them easier to manufacture and service.” For example, Rivian’s new EVs use seven ECUs, down from 17 in the first-generation R1T and R1S.
With new plant upgrades, reworked supplier contracts, and more efficient vehicles, Rivian is now passing the savings on to customers.
Rivian introduced a new promo on Tuesday, offering up to $6,000 to upgrade your R1T or R1S. The bonus amount varies by trim:
- Tri with Max battery: $6,000 USD / CAD 8,600
- Dual with Max battery and Performance upgrade: $4,500 USD / CAD 6,500
- Dual with Max battery: $3,000 USD / CAD 4,300
The offer is for current R1T or R1S owners or lessees in the US and Canada. Rivian launched the new promo on January 21, and it runs through March 31, 2025.
After you purchase or lease a qualifying vehicle, Rivian will apply a discount toward the MSRP. You must take delivery by March 31, 2025. In the fine print, Rivian stated, “You must request a trade-in estimate to qualify for this offer, but trade-in of a vehicle is not required.”
Any other models are excluded from the offer. These include Dual Standard configurations, Dual with Large battery configurations, custom builds, demo vehicles, and pre-owned vehicles.
The new offer follows Rivian’s previous upgrade promo introduced last October, giving qualifying gas-powered vehicle owners or lessees up to $3,000.
Check out the Rivian R1 Shop to view eligible models. You can see eligible Rivian R1S here and R1T models here.
Electrek’s Take
Rivian’s R1S was already the tenth best-selling electric vehicle in the US last year, with nearly 27,000 models sold. With more driving range and power at a lower cost, the electric SUV could see even more demand in 2025.
Then again, with the arrival of new luxury electric SUVs, like the Jeep Wagoneer S and Volvo EX90, Rivian will face more competition in the US.
Rivian’s latest promo comes as the Company looks to carry the momentum from the end of 2024 into the new year. The EV maker is offering other deals, including 1.99% APR for 60 months on the R1 Dual with a Max Battery and Performance upgrade.
Even if you are not eligible for the promo, we can still help you find deals on Rivian’s electric SUV in your area. You can use our links below to view offers on the Rivian R1S and R1T near you today.
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