On October 14, the BMW Group unveiled its latest and strongest lineup of all-electric models at the 2024 Paris Motor Show. Among them, the BMW Next-Generation Concept and the BMW Next-Generation X Concept were both unveiled for the first time. The Paris Motor Show is an important demonstration of the BMW Group's achievements in entering a new phase of electrification, with more than 15 pure electric products covering most of the sub-product lines of the BMW and MINI brands.
According to the data, in the first nine months of this year, the sales of pure electric models of the BMW Group increased by 19.1%, the sales of pure electric models of the BMW brand increased by 22.6%, and the total number of new energy vehicles in the Chinese market will reach 400,000 units this month. The BMW Group's electrification process continues to gain momentum, with sales growth driven by a clear electrification strategy.
The BMW Next-Generation Concept and BMW Next-Generation X Concept, which were unveiled for the first time, represent the beginning of a new phase in the BMW Group's electrification strategy. The two next-generation concept cars represent the Group's vision for BMW's two most successful core product lines: sports sedans and SAVs. The "New Generation" will redefine the BMW brand and be the leader of BMW innovation, which will be gradually applied to all future BMW models. The next-generation BMW models will go into production worldwide next year. In China, the first new-generation model will start production in Shenyang in 2026, and the Chinese R&D team will start road tests next year. The new generation of models embodies the core characteristics of the future BMW: electrification, digitalization and circular sustainability, and reinforces BMW's label of pure driving pleasure in three dimensions: design, technology and concept in an extremely modern and innovative way.
The two new-generation BMW concept cars clearly convey BMW's future design philosophy – humanistic, refined and minimalist, and technologically inspired. BMW's new-generation concept car retains the classic short front overhang and forward-rushing and dynamic stance of BMW sedans, and the newly designed front face reinforces the character of a sports sedan with lights instead of chrome. BMW's new-generation X Concept has a broad, three-dimensional shape with streamlined lines and a sense of power. The iconic longitudinal kidney grille, combined with the SAV's more concise and muscular body stance, creates an exclusive design language for the BMW X family. For next year's new generation of models, BMW will adopt a cleaner and more modern design language, while retaining BMW's classic design elements and body proportions. "We pay homage to the classics and look to the future, and the mission of the design is to give the brand a unique and sustainable identity, and BMW's DNA remains the same." Mr. Hojttonke, Senior Vice President of Design of BMW Group, said.
The new-generation model will be equipped with a new electronic and electrical architecture, and an intelligent domain control system composed of "four super brains", which will elevate BMW's "pure driving pleasure" to a new dimension. Among them, the "Driving Control Super Brain" is equipped with a new electronic control unit, and together with BMW's self-developed dynamic performance control system, the platform performance is increased by 10 times. The system will be equipped with advanced chip processors and software algorithms that will help drivers control the vehicle more accurately and efficiently. As BMW's next-generation autonomous driving assistance technology, the "Driver Assistance Super Brain" will be the first to be installed in the new generation of models, and the platform performance will be improved by five times. Adhering to the concept of "Ergonomics", BMW is committed to creating intelligent driving assistance systems that are bold, easy to use, and commonly used by users. With a design and tuning that suits people's hearts, we create a safe, comfortable and heart-to-heart driving experience. The purpose of BMW's intelligent driver assistance system is to "put safety first", so that users have a clear boundary of use, and ensure that users are always in the driving link, that is, "driving in the ring".
According to reports, the comprehensive energy efficiency of the new generation of models will also be increased by more than 25%. The energy density of power batteries based on cylindrical cells is increased by more than 20% compared with the previous rectangular cells. The voltage platform for the battery, powertrain and charging technology of the new generation will also be increased to 800 volts, and the charging time of the high-voltage battery from 10% to 80% will be reduced by up to 30% compared to the previous generation, and the range will be increased by 30%.
The new-generation model will also feature the all-new BMW iDrive human-machine interaction, with four interfaces reinterpreting BMW's classic "driver-oriented" design concept. The combination of the BMW Panoramic View Bridge, the central information display, the 3D Vision Foreground Display and the new multi-function steering wheel guides the "line of sight" with a layered design, and the multi-screen linkage is seamlessly connected, allowing the interaction between the vehicle to be smooth and natural.
Today, BMW is demonstrating its vision for the two core product lines of the future sports sedan and SAV with the BMW Next-Generation Concept and BMW Next-Generation X Concept. The upcoming next-generation models will integrate BMW's core innovations in the areas of electrification, digitalization and circular sustainability, with a focus on pure driving pleasure.
Note: SAV, or Sport Activity Vehicle, is a concept proposed by BMW when designing the X5. The SAV can be seen as an upgraded version of the SUV, which maintains the advantages of the SUV model while focusing more on luxury and comfortable driving experience.