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The Germans are scrambling to make sense of their long-standing alphanumeric naming systems, after the introduction of unique monikers to separate their EVs wreaked havoc on their lineups. In the case of Audi, differentiation between gas and EV models could make things even more confusing, but BMW seems to have a much less jarring plan to keep things in order.
BMW's next-generation Neue Klasse vehicles will be the first to receive the updated nomenclature, and while these upcoming models are expected to shake things up in terms of styling and tech, their names will undergo comparatively subtle changes. Judging from recent trademarks filed with the European trademark office, which were initially uncovered by Car Magazine, electric models will retain their "i" prefix while adopting the same drivetrain designations as their gas counterparts.
One such example would be the next-generation X3, which will use the X320 and X330 monikers for its gas models, while all-electric variants will go by the iX330, iX340, and iX350. Notice that these names are nearly identical, save for the familiar "i" prefix for electric models. And considering BMW's decision to file the X3 name first, the redesigned SUV could introduce the updated naming system before the rest of the lineup follows suit.
Car Magazine continues that the same naming scheme will be applied to the 3-Series, 5-Series, and 7-Series models in the future. The 3-Series, for example, will wear the 330 and 340 badges, while battery-powered versions will be called the i330 and i340. The other models will continue to use higher numbers, such as 560, i560, 760, and i760. And likely with much fanfare from BMW enthusiasts, the changes will not affect the #-Series designations that have been used on the brand's models for decades.
The first Neue Klasse BMWs are expected to hit the market in 2025, likely in the form of the next 3-Series and X3. This means the updated naming system won't be going into effect anytime soon, but when it does, it will unify the brand's gas and EV models in a way that shouldn't confuse buyers.
Are you in support of the small name changes?
Image Credits: BMW
Future Cars
Sep 23, 2023
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BMW Could Introduce Tweaked Naming System For Neue Klasse Models
The subtle changes will help bring gas and EV models more in line.
The Germans are scrambling to make sense of their long-standing alphanumeric naming systems, after the introduction of unique monikers to separate their EVs wreaked havoc on their lineups. In the case of Audi, differentiation between gas and EV models could make things even more confusing, but BMW seems to have a much less jarring plan to keep things in order.
BMW's next-generation Neue Klasse vehicles will be the first to receive the updated nomenclature, and while these upcoming models are expected to shake things up in terms of styling and tech, their names will undergo comparatively subtle changes. Judging from recent trademarks filed with the European trademark office, which were initially uncovered by Car Magazine, electric models will retain their "i" prefix while adopting the same drivetrain designations as their gas counterparts.
One such example would be the next-generation X3, which will use the X320 and X330 monikers for its gas models, while all-electric variants will go by the iX330, iX340, and iX350. Notice that these names are nearly identical, save for the familiar "i" prefix for electric models. And considering BMW's decision to file the X3 name first, the redesigned SUV could introduce the updated naming system before the rest of the lineup follows suit.
Car Magazine continues that the same naming scheme will be applied to the 3-Series, 5-Series, and 7-Series models in the future. The 3-Series, for example, will wear the 330 and 340 badges, while battery-powered versions will be called the i330 and i340. The other models will continue to use higher numbers, such as 560, i560, 760, and i760. And likely with much fanfare from BMW enthusiasts, the changes will not affect the #-Series designations that have been used on the brand's models for decades.
The first Neue Klasse BMWs are expected to hit the market in 2025, likely in the form of the next 3-Series and X3. This means the updated naming system won't be going into effect anytime soon, but when it does, it will unify the brand's gas and EV models in a way that shouldn't confuse buyers.
Are you in support of the small name changes?
Image Credits: BMW
