4 Minutes
At the 2025 IAA Mobility Show in Munich, the German premium marques unveiled major new models and concepts — and BMW’s announcement resonated the loudest for future design direction. Rather than experimenting on a few models, BMW confirmed that every new car arriving after this moment will adopt the Neue Klasse design language both inside and out, across ICE, HEV, PHEV and full-EV architectures. That commitment transforms an aesthetic exercise into a brand-wide strategy, and digital designers are already exploring what it could mean for niche models. One such vision: a hypothetical fourth-generation BMW Z4 roadster rendered by Luca Serafini (lsdesignsrl), reimagined as a Neue Klasse car.
Design: Neue Klasse Aesthetics Applied to a Roadster
Serafini’s Z4 concept applies the Neue Klasse’s clean, sculpted surfaces and streamlined front fascia to a compact two-seater. The rendering highlights BMW’s recent signature lighting, pronounced character lines and a simplified grille treatment that prioritizes proportion over ornamentation. The idea demonstrates how the Neue Klasse styling—originally previewed on the Neue Klasse iX3 EV—can be scaled down and refined for a sports car silhouette while retaining BMW’s brand identity.
Exterior details
Key visual elements in the rendering include slimmer LED headlights, a flatter hood profile, aerodynamic mirrors and an integrated rear diffuser. The minimalistic grille and wider track visually lower the car, giving the Z4 a more aggressive stance than some recent generations.
Interior cues
Inside, the Neue Klasse philosophy favors a clean, user-focused cockpit with a horizontal dashboard flow, reduced button clutter and a larger central touchscreen integrated into the dash — balancing digital tech with driver engagement in a roadster package.
Specifications & Performance (Hypothetical)
Because the rendering is unofficial, exact specs are conjectural. However, a Neue Klasse Z4 concept could be offered in multiple drivetrains to align with BMW’s strategy: a lightweight internal-combustion variant for driving purists, a high-efficiency hybrid for balance, and a pure electric roadster built on a scaled EV platform derived from Neue Klasse architecture. Performance targets might range from 250–450 hp for ICE/hybrid variants, while an electric Z4 could deliver instant torque and a sub-4.5s 0–100 km/h time for sport-focused trims.
Market Positioning
A Neue Klasse Z4 would sit as a premium, compact sports car aimed at enthusiasts who value handling, open-top experience and design distinction. Positioned against rivals like the Porsche 718 and the Toyota Supra collaboration, BMW could use the Neue Klasse styling to modernize its appeal and differentiate the Z4 with a stronger brand identity across its entire lineup.
Comparisons and Strategic Merit
Compared with the current Z4 generations, a Neue Klasse iteration would emphasize cohesive brand design rather than divergent model-specific looks. That can strengthen recognition and streamline development but risks alienating buyers who prefer variety across BMW’s range. Compared to Audi’s Concept C and Mercedes’ EQ-badged models revealed at IAA, BMW’s all-in styling commitment is bolder: it trades bespoke charisma for unified identity.
Is it a good idea?
For enthusiasts, it depends. A Neue Klasse Z4 could combine modern EV or hybrid tech with sharper design and packaging efficiency, potentially revitalizing interest in two-seaters. Conversely, purists may feel the roadster loses character when forced to conform to a single corporate design language. Ultimately, the rendering shows that with thoughtful proportions and packaging, the Neue Klasse aesthetic can enhance even a niche sports car.
In short: the Luca Serafini Z4 rendering offers a compelling glimpse of how BMW’s future styling might translate to a classic roadster, and it sparks a necessary debate about the balance between unified brand design and model individuality in the evolving sports car market.
Source: autoevolution
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