TNY Design Studio Explores BMW’s Next SUV Generation — From X1 to X8

BMW is entering one of the most significant design transitions in its recent history. The arrival of Neue Klasse isn't simply about introducing a new generation of electric cars; its technology and dramatically simplified design language are beginning to influence BMW's entire range.

For the company's SUVs, that creates an especially interesting few years. Some models can be developed around this new philosophy from the outset, while others must evolve existing shapes that were designed before Neue Klasse arrived. At the same time, BMW isn't committing itself to a single powertrain solution, with combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, battery-electric models and even hydrogen all forming part of its plans.

TNY Design Studio explores what this transition could mean for BMW's SUV family, from its smallest crossovers through to the increasingly ambitious models sitting at the very top of the range.

The X1 presents BMW with a very different design challenge to clean-sheet Neue Klasse models.

The current third-generation X1 only arrived in 2022, meaning a complete replacement of the combustion model remains some way off. Yet BMW's new design language is spreading rapidly across the range, leaving one of its smallest SUVs unable to simply wait for another full model cycle.

Instead, the existing X1 will have to evolve. Prototypes already show BMW testing a heavily revised front end, combining the current U11's familiar roofline, doors and proportions with slimmer lighting and a much cleaner Neue Klasse-inspired face. Unlike the clean-sheet iX3 — or newer models designed around BMW's latest thinking from the outset — the challenge is making that new identity look convincing on a shape created earlier.

We should see the result during 2027, with current reports pointing towards production around the middle of the year. Intriguingly, the electric iX1 may take a different route altogether: prototypes suggest BMW is preparing a completely new Neue Klasse-based successor rather than simply applying the X1's facelift to today's electric model.

The second-generation X2 is actually newer than the X1, with UK deliveries only beginning in March 2024, including the first fully electric iX2. Yet BMW is already testing a substantial facelift, with prototypes retaining the current U10's coupé-like body while hiding a completely redesigned Neue Klasse-inspired front end. Current reporting points towards 2027 production, potentially around July.

TNY Design Studio explores the same challenge as with the X1: rather than designing a Neue Klasse SUV from a clean sheet, BMW must make its dramatically simpler new face work with an existing shape.

Our X2 keeps today's roofline, doors and proportions, but introduces slimmer lighting and the new vertical kidney treatment. The future of the iX2 is less certain, particularly as its iX1 sibling is reportedly moving to a dedicated Neue Klasse successor.

The new iX3 is much more than another BMW electric SUV. As the first production Neue Klasse model, it introduces BMW's new design language, 800V architecture, Gen6 cylindrical-cell batteries and an entirely new electronics platform. The iX3 50 xDrive produces 469hp, offers up to 500 miles of WLTP range and can charge at up to 400kW — adding as much as 231 miles in ten minutes.

Those numbers put BMW firmly back among the EV technology leaders, as European premium brands face increasingly capable competition from Tesla and fast-moving Chinese manufacturers.

Early reviews have been similarly positive, particularly around efficiency, technology and driving dynamics. The iX3 therefore gives BMW a remarkably strong foundation on which to rebuild the rest of its SUV range. (Image Credit: BMW)

BMW helped create the coupé-SUV formula with the X6 in 2008, before bringing the idea into the mid-size class with the X4 in 2014 — a shape that has since spread right down into mainstream and budget crossovers.

Yet the X4 has now disappeared: production of the second generation ended in November 2025, with no direct combustion replacement. Instead, the space it occupied is set to be filled by the electric iX4, a close Neue Klasse relative of the iX3.

Prototypes already show a much lower, more dramatically sloping roofline wrapped around familiar iX3 ingredients, while reports point to the same 800V architecture, Gen6 batteries and up to 400kW charging. Production is expected to begin in November 2026, making this one of the Neue Klasse BMWs we shouldn't have long to wait for. Our rendering explores how the production iX4 could combine the iX3's new face with a much sportier silhouette.

The new fifth-generation X5 takes a different approach to the electric-only iX3. BMW has engineered it to accommodate five powertrain types across global markets: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell power. UK sales of the electric, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions begin in spring 2027.

The electric iX5 60 xDrive is particularly ambitious, combining an 800V architecture with BMW's Gen6 battery technology, up to 525 miles WLTP and 460kW charging. At a sufficiently powerful charger, BMW says it can charge from 10–80% in 23 minutes.

Hydrogen is perhaps the most intriguing addition. From 2028, the iX5 Hydrogen is targeting up to 466 miles (750km) of range, with refuelling taking only a few minutes. Its third-generation fuel-cell system has been developed with Toyota, making the X5 a particularly interesting test of BMW's belief that the future of larger vehicles may not belong exclusively to batteries. (Image Credit: BMW)

The X6 remains an important model for BMW. The original arrived in 2008, effectively establishing the premium coupé-SUV formula that has since spread throughout the industry. The current generation dates back to 2019, making a replacement increasingly due, and current reporting points towards a new G66 X6 entering production during 2027.

Like previous generations, the next X6 is expected to be closely related to the new X5, bringing much of the same technology beneath a lower, more sporting body. Reports suggest petrol, diesel and high-performance combustion versions alongside a new iX6, sharing the iX5's Gen6 electric hardware and 800V architecture.

Its sleeker aerodynamics could potentially give the iX6 a range advantage over the 525-mile iX5, although BMW has not yet published figures, so we wouldn't put a number on it. TNY Design Studio explores how that formula could look: the new X5's Neue Klasse-era identity transformed into its more dramatic coupé-SUV sibling.

BMW has confirmed that the second-generation X7 will enter production in 2027, again at Spartanburg in South Carolina. Current reporting suggests the range will retain six-cylinder engines and a 4.4-litre V8 M60, reflecting the X7's importance to markets such as the US. A fully electric iX7 is also expected, bringing Gen6 battery and motor technology into BMW's largest seven-seat SUV.

Hydrogen is the intriguing possibility. BMW's first series-production hydrogen model arrives in 2028, although BMW has not confirmed an X7 version. If the technology subsequently reaches the X7 — and Britain receives it — it could create the unusual prospect of a hydrogen-powered luxury seven-seater alongside petrol, diesel and battery-electric alternatives.

TNY Design Studio explores how BMW's biggest SUV could adopt its Neue Klasse-era identity while retaining the imposing proportions and more traditional powertrain choice expected of the X7.

On 30 September, BMW confirmed it is studying an additional luxury SUV positioned above the X7, with the US expected to be a key market and the Middle East another obvious fit. BMW hasn't confirmed the X8 name or approved the model for production yet.

Its position remains intriguing. With the XM's future uncertain and reports of a future electric iXM, this could replace one, both, or simply create another flagship. A larger, more luxurious BMW could target models such as the Aston Martin DBX and Lamborghini Urus, while narrowing some of the gap between BMW and Rolls-Royce.

Our X8 explores how such a flagship could look in BMW's new design language. And if BMW is prepared to expand its range at this level, could the announcement eventually open the door for an 8 Series revival — perhaps as a coupé and sporting luxury saloon?

— BMW's SUV range is entering one of its biggest periods of change yet. Neue Klasse begins with clean-sheet models such as the iX3, but its influence will quickly spread from heavily updated existing cars like the X1 and X2 to an increasingly diverse range of electric, combustion and even hydrogen-powered SUVs.

By the end of the decade, BMW could offer everything from a compact Neue Klasse iX1 to a 500-mile-plus iX5, an electric seven-seat iX7 and potentially an entirely new flagship above it. The technology is changing dramatically, but BMW's challenge will be making this increasingly varied family look and feel like one coherent new generation.