Key Takeaways
- BMW’s Neue Klasse features a futuristic design with toned-down kidney grilles.
- The iX3 is the first Neue Klasse vehicle, with the X5 expected next.
- Two different prototypes in these photos may show different powertrains.
The evolution of BMW has included quite a few changes to its design language. The kidney grilles remain a part of things, although the last few years have had haters lamenting the way they completely dominate the front of the car. The Neue Klasse is the latest from the BMW design department with a look specifically tailored for the brand’s fully electric lineup. And the next model to showcase this will be the electric X5, aka the iX5, that our spy photographers caught testing wearing heaving camo on public roads.
2025 BMW X5 xDrive50e
- MSRP
- $73,100
- Engine
- 3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 PHEV
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Transmission
- 8-Speed Automatic
- Horsepower
- 483 hp
BMW’s new EV styling is decidedly futuristic and tones down the kidney grilles, making them more narrow and upright. The iX3 is the first of the Neue Klasse vehicles making its debut as the electric alternative to the X3. It’s set to go into production in July 2025. And it appears the iX5 will be next.
Electric X5 Looks Similar To The iX3
At first glance, it looks a lot like the iX3 prototypes that we’ve already seen, but a keen eye will notice that they aren’t quite the same. This vehicle is bigger in both width and length, although it’s easy to miss with just a quick glance.
The camo hides a lot of the sheet metal, but there are some details that are visible if you give your eyes a few seconds to adjust to all the visual noise. The handles look a bit like the ones seen on some of the Audi Q7 prototypes. They sort of sit on top of the doors close to the windows rather than lower set into the side of the door.
Two Different Powertrains
There are also likely two different prototypes of these vehicles in the images, possibly showing off two different powertrains. Once again, look closely and there are larger red brake calipers on one, which we figure is the more powerful of the two. The tire size is also visible on the more basic of the two with 275/40-22 tires in the front and 315/35-22 tires in the back.
The X5 is expected to be available as both a gas and electric vehicle, so more prototypes hidden in camouflage are sure to follow. So far, we’re just seeing Neue Klasse SUVs, which makes sense since they are fully half of BMW’s global sales and in some regions represent nearly two-thirds of BMW sales. Expect sedans to enter the mix eventually, and when they do, we’ll get you the photos as soon as we spy the prototypes.
