BMW’s Big Bet: 40 New Models, New R&D Boss and Outgoing CEOBMW’s Big Bet: 40 New Models, New R&D Boss and Outgoing CEO

MUNICH – BMW CEO Oliver Zipse unveils the autyomaker’s most ambitious product offensive to date at its annual financial media conference, announcing plans to launch more than 40 new or updated models by the end of 2027.

The announcement comes amid significant leadership changes, including the planned departure of Frank Weber, head of research and development, in June 2025, and the exit of Zipse himself in June 2026.

Neue Klasse Underpins Product Offensive

The centerpiece of BMW’s bold new model push is the Neue Klasse, the automaker’s next-generation of electric models. Featuring an 800V architecture, sixth-generation electric drivetrain and new cylindrical battery cells, the new propulsion set-up will provide a 30% increase in range and 30% faster charging times compared with BMW's existing electric models. The first Neue Klasse (German for New Class) model, the successor to the iX3, will debut at the Munich auto show in September. It will be followed by a sedan counterpart — likely named the i3 — in 2026. Both models will receive high-performance M variants, with quad-motor setups for the future iX3 M and i3 M, says the company.

BMW’s plans extend beyond electric models. Zipse confirms that the Neue Klasse’s influence will also be felt in internal-combustion engine models, including the next-generation 3-series and M3. “Every vehicle we launch will reflect the spirit of the Neue Klasse,” he said.

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The 40-model offensive includes updates to existing models, such as the 5-series/i5 and 7-series/i7, as well as new additions like the i3 Touring—a wagon variant of the i3 sedan and the iX4, and a coupe-style sibling to the iX3 due in 2027. 

Regional variants, including long-wheelbase versions of the iX3, i3 and iX4, will also be produced and sold exclusively in China.

Commitment to Electric Vehicles

Zipse underscores BMW’s continued commitment to expanding its electric model lineup despite a volatile global market for all-electric vehicles

BMW reports its battery-electric vehicle sales grew by over 13% in 2024, outperforming many of its rivals. BEVs accounted for more than 17% of BMW's total sales in 2024. When including plug-in hybrids, nearly one in four BMWs sold last year was electrified.

The BMW CEO said he expects continued growth in 2025, saying the company is on track to surpass 3 million electrified vehicle sales since launching the BMW i8 and original i3 hatchback in 2014, with more than 1.5 million of those being BEVs.

To support its plans, BMW has established a new production plant in Debrecen, Hungary, exclusively dedicated to the production of electric models.

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Zipse’s “technology-open” approach, which includes offering models with internal -combustion engines as well as plug-in hybrid and fully electric drivetrains, has drawn criticism from some quarters. Critics argue that BMW risks falling behind in electrification, but Zipse has defended the strategy as necessary to meet diverse customer needs across its global sales network.

Leadership Changes

The announcements come at a time of significant change within BMW’s executive ranks. Frank Weber, the driving force behind the Neue Klasse, is stepping down as head of development. At 58, Weber is approaching BMW’s internal age limit of 60 for board members, and his contract will not be renewed.

Weber’s successor, Joachim Post, currently head of procurement, will take over research and development on June 1. A 20-year BMW veteran, Post brings extensive experience in supply-chain management and will oversee the launch of Neue Klasse models developed under Weber’s guidance.

Meanwhile, Zipse’s own tenure as CEO is set to end in June 2026. At 61, he was granted dispensation from BMW’s strict age guidelines in 2023, allowing him to continue leading the company beyond the usual retirement age. Zipse has been CEO since August 2019, steering BMW through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the industry’s shift toward electrification.

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The reshuffling positions Post as a strong contender for the CEO role, alongside Milan Nedeljković, head of production, and Ilka Horstmeier, head of human resources.