The Imaginative and prescient Driving Expertise made headlines for its unprecedented technical specs. The quad-motor EV has 18,000 Nm of torque (probably on the wheels) and over 1,300 horsepower. It might probably climb a 55-degree ramp and incorporates 5 followers that generate 1,000 kilograms (2,204 kilos) of static downforce. Energetic aero provides one other 200 kg (441 lbs), and BMW claims the automotive can generate lateral forces of as much as 3Gs.
That’s spectacular and all, however what in regards to the design? At Auto Shanghai 2025, BMWBLOG spoke with Adrian van Hooydonk in regards to the VDX. A beefier follow-up to the 2023 Vision Neue Klasse concept, it is a practical prototype slightly than a static idea. BMW Group’s Head of Design says they’ve widened the automotive by becoming bulging arches, presumably hinting on the electric M3 (“ZA0”) coming in a few years.
Though there’s no combustion engine underneath the hood, BMW added facet air retailers to chill the electrical powertrain. The unique Imaginative and prescient Neue Klasse didn’t have the slots between the hood shut line and the fenders. At that time, warmth dissipation wasn’t a problem. Whereas the VDX received’t go into manufacturing, the corporate’s design chief let it slip that the electrical i3 sedan will share some similarities, notably across the C-pillars and rear shoulders.
One characteristic we hadn’t seen earlier than is on the again, the place air retailers are mounted beneath the taillights. The rear of the VDX protrudes greater than the present automotive’s. Based on van Hooydonk, the blown diffuser with enormous retailers provides the rear finish an “excessive” look.
The BMW Group’s design head confirmed that sedans will use the broader, horizontal kidney grille with built-in daytime operating lights. SUVs will undertake an upright format with narrower kidneys, as seen on the Vision Neue Klasse X. Curiously, van Hooydonk steered future fashions will characteristic cleaner front-end styling by hiding a number of the sensors used for autonomous driving expertise.
Total, the brand new design language will use fewer strains to create smoother surfaces, as previewed by the 2 Imaginative and prescient Neue Klasse present automobiles. We additionally realized that BMW will change chrome on the entrance with LEDs. The profile will embrace electrically operated winglets mounted on the beltline. Nevertheless, the iX3 received’t have them, however the future X5 (“G65”) will, together with the Skytop.
Inside, the simplified cabin is nearer than ever to the production-ready i3 (“NA0”), together with the Panoramic Vision show and the brand new steering wheel. In fact, the roll cage and racing harness aren’t deliberate for the common i3 or its M variant.
BMW is actually conserving quite a lot of issues underneath wraps till the iX3 premieres in early September. The i3 sedan will comply with subsequent yr, together with a long-wheelbase iX3 for China.
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