M’S BOLD ELECTRIC FUTURE
BMW M Concept Neue Klasse
Images © BMW
Forty years after the introduction of the original BMW M3, the Bavarian company has unveiled a bold and powerful all-electric concept car based on the i3, set to become the seventh-generation M3, which highlights the new M design language and sets the scene for the brand’s all-electric future.
Aptly, as it bridges the divide between race car and road car, the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse celebrated its world premiere at the recent 24 Hours of Le Mans, where the manufacturer’s #20 M Team WRT BMW M Hybrid V8 (with South African Sheldon van der Linde in the driver line-up) missed out on first place in the race by only 10.621 seconds.
South Africa never received the original M3, yet there is every chance that the latest M3 – as previewed by the M Concept Neue Klasse – will make it here sometime next year, and although BMW did not provide official power figures, indications are that its electric powertrain will develop stupendous amounts of power and torque – around 745 kW (1,000 bhp) and 1,000 Nm of torque.
That’s nearly double the figures quoted for the current M3 Competition (375 kW and 650 Nm) and a far cry from the 147 kW the original M3 could muster. However, it is believed that a six-cylinder ICE model with hybrid powertrain and design inspired by the i3 will also form part of the line-up.
The M Concept Neue Klasse features four electric motors in an all-wheel-drive system managed by M Dynamic Performance Control software (eDrive system), providing wheel-specific control of the drivetrain and braking systems. According to BMW, this elevates the driving dynamics, with more direct response, improved recuperation performance, and optimal traction.
Long-range driving capability is enhanced by 800-volt technology and a high-voltage battery with more than 100 kWh of energy. providing particularly high output when delivering energy to the electric motors and during charging.
NEW M-SPECIFIC DESIGN
Seen from the front, the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse has a trimaran-style bumper, akin to that of the LaFerrari, providing structural support for the front splitter, with a V-shaped bonnet for the forward-facing shark nose. The flattened kidney grille and the headlights, with new M Yellow Lights, form a single unit.
BMW states the yellow light icons, referencing GT racing cars as well as the BMW M Hybrid V8, will become a new signature feature of future M cars. This is complemented by another new lighting accent – three-dimensional Track Lights located in the outer sections of the front and rear aprons, framing the trimaran element at the rear above a floating diffuser.
The side view has powerful proportions, with a muscular shoulder section and wide wheel arches, and M-specific design measures include reinterpreted M aero exterior mirrors in BMW M colours and a striking ducktail spoiler to improve aerodynamics and increase downforce at the rear axle.
Natural fibre elements are used on both the exterior and interior of the M Concept – in the front splitter, the bonnet air outlet, the diffuser and in the roof graphic in a refined M branding. Inside the driver-focused cockpit, four newly developed bucket seats provide secure support and integrate structural elements made from natural fibre materials.
The seat upholstery (Bathurst Blue and Berry Red) picks up the BMW M colours in a two-tone Merino leather finish, and red five-point belts emphasise the car’s sporty character. Also, for the first time in an M vehicle, black nubuck leather is used on the steering wheel, door panels, and roll bar.
The floating dashboard features M-specific hexagonal backlighting, and the M colours are further emphasised by red accents on the M gear selector, the shift paddles on the M steering wheel and in the digital displays, as well as the concept car’s Monza Red metallic paint finish and the red-and-blue coded centre-lock wheels.
According to BMW, the M Concept Neue Klasse represents the next chapter in the M-typical blend of dynamics, agility, and precision, elevating the driving experience and racetrack capability to a new level. Introduction of the fully electric next-generation M3 (codenamed ZA0) is scheduled towards the end of the year, while the successor to the petrol-powered M3 (codenamed G84) is expected to follow in 2028.
INTELLIGENCE MEETS COMBUSTION
Mercedes-Benz CLA 200
Image © MERCEDES-BENZ
Mercedes-Benz asserts it is raising the standards of the compact luxury segment with the introduction of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA 200. Offering more to customers in every dimension than its predecessor, the new CLA 200 serves as a brilliant gateway to a completely new, ground-up family of vehicles.
Built on a highly flexible modular platform, the exterior design of the new CLA 200 impersonates athletic elegance, defined by classic GT proportions that feature a long wheelbase, short body overhangs, a sleek, low greenhouse and sculptural, muscular shoulders flowing from the front wheel arches across the flanks to create a striking interplay of light and shadow along the body panels.
The prominent A-shape front fascia of the CLA 200 features a classic, premium chrome star-pattern grille framed by an elegant LED lightguide. The Multibeam LED headlights and the rear taillights form the sharp silhouette of the iconic Mercedes-Benz star, connected across the car’s body by crisp bands of light, and a massive, single-piece panoramic glass roof is standard on all models.
Perhaps the most important aspect of the new CLA 200 is that it is the first Mercedes-Benz production model to rely entirely on the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). Backed by a high-performance supercomputer and real-time graphics, it introduces a hyper-personalised digital environment with over-the-air updates to keep the vehicle permanently up to date.
This system introduces the fourth generation of MBUX, the first in-car infotainment system to integrate generative AI agents from both Microsoft and Google. Powered by ChatGPT-4o and Microsoft Bing, the MBUX Virtual Assistant – manifested as a “living” 3D avatar star on the screen – engages in complex, multi-turn dialogues, remembers short-term context, and reads driver emotions to adjust its responses.
Integrating Google Gemini, the assistant uses the Google Maps platform to answer navigation questions and search points of interest. This layout feeds directly into MBUX Surround Navigation, which merges real-time driving-assistance views with a 3D representation of the car’s physical surroundings.
The CLA 200 features a modern 48-volt system that combines a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a highly integrated electric motor within the new eight-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission. The system delivers 120 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque to the front wheels, with the CLA 200 accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in a swift 8.0 seconds, while returning a combined fuel consumption of only 5.4 litres/100 km.
The centrepiece of the minimalist, tech-driven interior is the huge, free-standing MBUX Superscreen that seamlessly integrates a 10.25″ driver display with a high-resolution 14″ central touchscreen. A multi-tier floating centre console structures the front cabin, incorporating a three-dimensional trim surface, integrated cup holders, and a wireless smartphone charger. The CLA 200 is priced from R937,000 (including a five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan) and can now be ordered from Mercedes-Benz showrooms.
HYBRID, EV FOR J5 RANGE
Jaecoo J5 SHS and BEV
Image © JAECOO
Hot on the heels of the launch of the new BYD Atto 2 PHEV, Omoda & Jaecoo South Africa has announced that the Jaecoo J5 line-up will be expanded in August this year with the introduction of two new derivatives: the J5 SHS and the fully electric J5 BEV. This will broaden the appeal of the range, giving buyers the choice of petrol, hybrid, and fully electric propulsion.
J5 SHS
The Jaecoo J5 SHS is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with the brand’s Dedicated Hybrid Transmission. The hybrid powertrain, including a 1.83 kWh NCM battery, produces 165 kW and 295 Nm of torque, with drive sent to the front wheels. According to Jaecoo, the J5 SHS returns a fuel consumption figure of 5.3 litres/100 km on the WLTC cycle, providing a theoretical driving range of more than 900 km on a single tank.
Standard equipment in the J5 SHS includes black leather upholstery, a 13.2″ infotainment screen, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a panoramic moonroof, a power-operated tailgate, dual-zone climate control, and a six-speaker sound system. The model also features a range of driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
J5 BEV
The J5 BEV will arrive alongside its hybrid sibling as Jeacoo’s first fully electric model locally. Power comes from a 58.9 kWh LFP battery pack, which supplies energy to a permanent-magnet synchronous motor mounted on the front axle. The system produces 155 kW and 288 Nm of torque, and when connected to a DC fast charger, it can recharge the J5 BEV from 30% to 80% in 28 minutes, with a maximum charging speed of 130 kW.
As with the J5 SHS, the J5 BEV will be offered with the comfort and convenience features listed above and will also receive an eight-speaker sound system and a comprehensive suite of standard safety and driver assistance features. Additional details, including driving range and energy consumption figures, local pricing, and full specifications for both derivatives, will be released closer to the launch date.
Report by FERDI DE VOS
