Up front, BMW will optionally use lower-cost, lower-power Asynchronous motors (ASM). Their design makes them better suited for regenerative braking, thus the front-axle placement. There will be two varieties of ASM motor, one making 161 hp, and another making 241 horsepower.

The Gen6 BMW Neue Klasse electric cars will promise 30 per cent faster charging and 30 per cent additional range compared to the current crop of EVs of the brand.

BMW has some exciting new electric vehicle battery and charging technology that we will see on the Neue Klasse models starting later this year.

The Gen6 battery found in the Neue Klasse EVs will be more power-dense, thanks to a switch to cylindrical cells that replace prismatic ones in the current lineup. BMW will offer its minute, 1.8-inch-diameter cells in two different heights (3.

BMW’s taking what it calls a ‘technology-open approach’ with the Neue Klasse, giving rise to a variety of electric motor layouts - though don’t expect any front-wheel drive BMW EVs to directly replace the current BMW 1 Series. That’s because while single-motor power will be offered, it’ll be mounted on the rear only to drive the rear wheels.

An alternative solution for the Mini brand would be a synergy with another automaker that could possibly supply them with a FWD architecture, although this is pure speculation at