BMW reprises classic kidney grille for Neue Klasse X concept

Well, isn’t this a surprise? BMW has decided to bring back its classic kidney grille for its latest concept, the Vision Neue Klasse X.

In recent years, the German marque has been known to put out some very Marmite designs, such as the large nostrils of the current generation M3 and M4, but it seems the brand has found a new sense of style for its future line of electric models.

Enter the new class, consisting of the Vision Neue Klasse sedan we saw last year and now the X, the SUV alternative.

The concept is based on a new fully electric vehicle architecture that defines the proportions of the model, resulting in a long wheelbase and short overhangs.

At the centre of it all is BMW’s iconic kidneys which we’re pleased to say have shrunk in size and now boast more classic, thinner proportions. While it may not act as an air intake as it used to, it’ll be a signature feature on all of the brand’s upcoming electric models. And we welcome it.

A set of LED headlights also helps highlight the front end, while the rear units feature the familiar BMW L-shape found on the brand’s current models, in addition to various 3D-printed elements.

Inside, we get another look at the future, which includes a four-spoke steering wheel, a trapezoidal central infotainment screen, and BMW’s Panoramic Vision that displays all relevant vehicle information across the width of the dashboard.

With regard to its underpinnings, the Neue Klasse line-up will feature the sixth generation of BMW’s eDrive technology, consisting of round lithium-ion battery cells with a 20 per cent higher volumetric energy density than the old prismatic cells. In short, this will improve charging speed and range by up to 30 per cent.

The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X will go into production alongside the Vision Neue Klasse sedan in 2025 at BMW’s Plant Debrecen in Hungary.