Auto industry: Before IAA: BMW shows the first series model of the new class

At the so -called new class, the well -being and woe of electromobility at BMW – and maybe even more. With the IX3, the Munichers have now presented the first series model of the platform. It should not only make clear progress in the technical data, from range to environmental friendliness, but also rinse more money into the health insurers. Experts see a decisive factor for the future of the group in success or failure of the concept, which has been announced and developed for years, which recently suffered significant declines of profit.

CEO Oliver Zipse uses the idea of ​​superlatives, speaks of a single-in-life moment and the “future of the car”. The technical key data: The range increases to 800 kilometers, batteries and drive are becoming more efficient, the loading times are shorter, the computers faster. The electric cars often accused shrink: After 21,500 kilometers, this disadvantage from the manufacture should be compensated for compared to an equivalent combustion engine by the CO2-less operation.

The new operating concept starts in the middle class

How important you take the start of the new class at BMW can also be seen from one detail: the new Panoramic Idrive operating concept, in which all important information can be seen in a more than one meter wide display strip directly below the windshield, is not introduced with a model at the top of the BMW model palette, as is the case with such innovations, but with the IX3 in the middle.

This also applies to the new class as a whole: they consciously decided to start in a segment with high quantities, emphasizes Zipse. The new class was not made for the niche. And the next model is also said to come with the 3 series from BMW’s bread and butter business.

The new class should also bring more margin

BMW always preaches his technology open, but here the Munich team clearly shows that they stand for the Stromer. From an economic point of view, however, it has a disadvantage: So far, electric cars are considered to be significantly weaker as a combustion engine. Here, too, the new class should make a leap forward. CFO Walter Mertl already sees the margin parity with comparable combustion engines in the IX3. The manufacturer could definitely use more profit after several significant declines.

The car is well received by experts. “The IX3 will get involved at the front,” says Stefan Reindl, director of the Institute for Automobile Economy. The car is well laid out. Now BMW has to convince the markets of him, which is particularly demanding in the important Chinese market.

Industry expert Ferdinand Dudenhöffer also sees an important step in the new class. “The nail test for the vehicles on the new class architecture will be China,” he says. “If BMW creates the trend reversal, it is a huge leap.” In addition to the technology, the price positioning is central to this. “If the price is right, BMW can manage to turn the negative trend in China.” BMW also takes into account this with its own China variant, which is to be manufactured from next year.