BMW: electric, diesel and hydrogen for the mobility of the future

The German manufacturer talks about how it prepares its strategy between now and 2035. Between Neue Klasse electrics and more

By: Francesco Barontini

Dec 18, 2024 at 4:22am ET

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The debut of BMW's next-generation electric cars is getting closer and closer, and with the imminent arrival of the first models built on the Neue Klasse platform, the Bavarian carmaker is about to experience a key year.

This was said by CEO Oliver Zipse himself, who said that a new era will open up for the group in 2025. He said this during a speech at the end-of-year meeting organised by Automobilwoche in Berlin, pointing out that 'with the new electrics we are laying the foundations of mobility for the next decade'.

Electrics as an engine for growth

Blume stated that with the Neue Klasse, BMW is really raising the bar higher. '2025 is the ideal year for new cars,' he explained, 'because it allows us to quickly introduce next-generation technologies. We have a new architecture and this has opened up completely new possibilities, allowing us to accelerate on electric mobility."

BMW New Class, il render di Motor1.com

Moreover, the market is not so scary. The fact that sales of electric cars in Europe - including Germany - have been unsatisfactory from 2023 onwards is no cause for great concern. "Our electric cars are selling more and more," said Blume, "and zero-emission mobility will be our main growth engine for the coming years. The cars of the Neue Klasse family will play a key role in this.

Speaking of which, two models will arrive in 2025: an SUV in the same segment as the X3 and a sports saloon of the same size as the 3 Series. In short: the aim is to start at the heart of the range in order to achieve consistent volume results straight away.

What the BMW of the future will look like

Blume also explained that BMW is thoroughly reorganising its production network to meet future challenges. It is doing so both with the new plant in Debrecen, Hungary, where the Neue Klasse will come to life, and with the modernisation of its factories in the USA, where a Gigafactory for batteries with cylindrical cells will be set up alongside the historic Spartanburg site (which is preparing to go electric).

Neue Klasse-based cars will also have next-generation software

The idea is to consolidate its presence in all markets and capture a considerable share of the electric car market in Europe, America and China. 'Worldwide, BMW has a market share of between three and four per cent,' said Blume. If we can get to 4 per cent in China, which with its 23 million vehicles is by far the biggest market, that would be a great success.

Europe must change pace

So far, so good, at least on paper, but there is no shortage of problems. Blume is critical of the policies adopted in the Old Continent. 'Europe, for example, should create conditions to promote economic growth and progress. Instead it places barriers such as the ban on combustion engines from 2035 which goes in the opposite direction."

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BMW goes in the opposite direction and tries to propose an advanced technological mix. "Starting in January, we will refuel all turbodiesel vehicles produced in Germany with HVO100 before delivery to dealerships,' Blume said. It will be a kind of first factory refuelling that will demonstrate to customers that HVO100, while having 90 per cent less overall CO2 emissions, is a perfect substitute for diesel.

Then, in 2028, a fuel cell car will come on sale. BMW is developing it together with Toyota (a leader in the field of hydrogen). But there will be only one imperative: 'all cars coming will be 100 per cent BMW, in terms of style, quality and driving dynamics'.