What we know!
Complete with boxy body and double headlights, as well as a small kidney grille and clean lines, this NK is truly a throwback! With huge wheels by 1980s standard, the model also features a wide light bar at the back, not only keeping with the times, but bringing the E30 into 2024.
It will be fully electric, although it is uncertain if that means BMW will abandon the combustion engine. A next-gen M3 with an inline-six will be sold alongside the hot EV, due to go on sale in 2028 as the “G84.”
The Vision NK will have a direct connection with the E30 3 Series, with the upcoming model recapturing the overall sporty essence of the cherished E30 3 Series 2.5-box sedan.
In achieving this design, the team set the beltline of the Vision NK concept car to mirror the window sill height of the E30, the second generation 3 Series produced from 1982-1994. By doing so, this design choice lends the Vision Neue Klasse a sense of heritage, without leaning too much toward the retro aesthetics.
It’s not just the 3 Series where the NK derived its inspiration. Another design inspo came from the E21 3 Series, with its angled nose, short overhangs and long bonnet. It also features a stubby rear-end with an interesting angled shape.
This NK has followed suit with many retro designs as of late, including with the Rivian R3 unveil. But is this just a fad? That is to be determined!
In many ways, BMW design celebrates and cherishes its heritage with the “new” Neue Klasse, although still appealing overall to a very diversified clientele. As a result, they need to capture everyone’s attention!
This NK is the brainchild of the talented Ihn Iee from the Korea National University of Arts, who not only shared his vision of a new NK M3 E30, but also other projects, including a police car and a Tamiya scale model in DTM style so as to pay homage to Schnitzer Motorsport.
Looking ahead, BMW plans to launch a Neue Klasse M3, but fans are asked to not hold their breath in anticipation of strong E30 vibes. That is because this is surely a design exercise, showcasing obvious talent, but with really little connection to BMW’s agenda. The real thing will instead be a more aggressive-looking variant of the 2023 Vision Neue Klasse concept.
While there have been many speculations that the proportions and styling of the E30 3 Series also inspired the upcoming Neue Klasse 3 Series, it has now become official. According to Kai Langer, head of BMW iDesign, his team sought to recapture the sporty essence of the E30 3 Series 2.5-box sedan, and the realization is surely exciting!
In fact, the “enlarged greenhouse and the nearly clear glass maximize the car’s brightness,” Langer went on to state, thus highlighting the vehicle’s design philosophy.
Interesting and appealing to many, this “retro” throwback is one worth noticing! Giving a big nod to the original M3, but with NK cues, the M3 E30 Neue Klasse is one to watch for. Going retro!? – you bet!
