BMW just revealed its next-generation “Neue Klasse” EV platform under the guise of the i Vision Dee at the 2023 CES Show in Las Vegas. The compact sedan hosts a field of connectivity and digital features. “Dee” stands for “Digital Emotional Experience,” hinting at its intelligent systems incorporated into the Neue Klasse platform. Oh, and “Neue Klasse” is German for its New Class EV platform.

What’s with all the colors on this BMW concept?

Some of these features include digital lighting in the headlights and grille that creates facial expressions, to body panels that change colors. Even the wheels can change colors. Hopefully, it also allows drivers to minimize the ungainly grilles found on most current BMWs. But, we digress. BMW says over 30 colors are possible on the concept. 

While focussing on the user interface, it incorporates a head-up display that spans the width of the windshield. And drivers can adjust how much information they want to be displayed. This technology will be put into production in 2025, according to CNN.

What new technology is this BMW concept featuring?

But the head-up technology also allows for images to be projected on side windows displaying to viewers outside. Digital avatars and greetings are just some of the gimmicks in the i Vision Dee. BMW says five different levels of window content are incorporated into the concept, from driving information to images that blot out what’s outside during self-drive modes. It essentially transforms the interior into a digital environment. The “mixed digital slider” allows the driver to bring on these functions at ever-increasing levels.

Personalization is the main point to all of this, or as BMW calls it “the next level of human-machine interaction.” Not only through the dancing colors and displays, but with things including voice commands, and features like opening doors when the car recognizes the driver is approaching. Verbal instructions are mandatory once you enter the interior. It is completely devoid of switches and knobs. 

Why is the concept a sedan and not an SUV?

“I Vision Dee is “a concept that cannot be simply dismissed as science fiction because it will inspire our Neue Klasse,” says BMW CEO Oliver Zipse. Interestingly, BMW sees the future as being sedan-based, as the i Vision Dee is a sedan. In its announcement today, BMW said sedans are still “at the core of the BMW brand.” Two concepts debuted, with one focussed on the more technical aspects while the other was the one with all of the gimmicks. 

The simplicity of the exterior design is meant not to distract from the technical highlights. But we like it, as we do its toned-down grille, or fascia display, as it is used on the EV concept. It is the first time we’ve seen BMW deviate from its traditional kidney bean design. The automaker says the overall design was inspired by the 2002 BMW models.