Connected Car
Neue Klasse models drive investments in powertrain development and autonomous driving technology. BMW increased its research and development spending by 5.2% year on year in 2022 as it made significant steps towards launching its next-generation electric line-up. The company’s R&D investment last year totalled €6.6 billion (AUD$10.65bn), with funds going to the Neue Klasse programme. The Neue Klasse models will major on technology as BMW aims to make connected vehicles a key pillar of its automotive business, controversially locking features installed into vehicles at the factory (such as heated seats) behind a subscription. Under the skin, the Neue Klasse models will also introduce significant forward leaps in battery technology, with “high-voltage” sixth-generation cells boosting range and charging speed by up to 30%.