• An independent render imagines a BMW minivan.
  • It adopts Neue Klasse styling cues from the iX3.
  • A premium minivan could make sense in China.

BMW says it will launch 40 new and facelifted models by 2027, all shaped by Neue Klasse styling and technology. That leaves plenty of room for expansion, perhaps even into unexpected corners of the market. One space it still ignores, however, is the booming luxury minivan segment in China, which prompted rendering artist Sugar Chow to imagine what a BMW entry might look like.

More: BMW’s New i3 Is Becoming Easier To Picture

His digital concept of a Neue Klasse minivan appeared on his Instagram page, quickly drawing reactions from fans and critics alike. The model looks noticeably larger than Europe’s 2-Series Active Tourer, currently BMW’s only compact minivan and a vehicle with an uncertain long-term future.

The front end borrows heavily from the new BMW iX3, with slim LED headlights flanking a narrow kidney grille. Similar themes appear in the bumper graphics, elongated taillights, and roof spoiler, all aligned with the brand’s sharper and less obnoxious design language.

Neue Klasse Design In Minivan Form

BMW Focuses On SUVs And Sedans, But China Might Want This Instead
BMW Focuses On SUVs And Sedans, But China Might Want This Instead
BMW Focuses On SUVs And Sedans, But China Might Want This Instead
BMW Focuses On SUVs And Sedans, But China Might Want This Instead
BMW Focuses On SUVs And Sedans, But China Might Want This Instead
BMW Focuses On SUVs And Sedans, But China Might Want This Instead
BMW Focuses On SUVs And Sedans, But China Might Want This Instead
BMW Focuses On SUVs And Sedans, But China Might Want This Instead

Illustrations SugarDesign_1 / Instagram

In profile, the concept is defined by sculpted fenders, large sliding doors, and a stretched wheelbase. Despite its family-focused brief, it comes across as sportier than the average minivan. The surfacing is sharp, the proportions are tight, and the large diameter wheels do their part to keep things visually athletic.

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Sugar Chow didn’t share renderings of the interior, but he describes a three-row layout with six or seven seats.

And yes, picturing it with a 3.0 liter inline six petrol engine is tempting. A silky straight six in a minivan would be peak BMW mischief. Realistically though, if this ever moved beyond pixels, it would ride on the electric Neue Klasse architecture, especially if it were aimed primarily at the Chinese market and possibly Europe as well.

BMW Focuses On SUVs And Sedans, But China Might Want This Instead
BMW Focuses On SUVs And Sedans, But China Might Want This Instead
BMW Focuses On SUVs And Sedans, But China Might Want This Instead
BMW Focuses On SUVs And Sedans, But China Might Want This Instead
BMW Focuses On SUVs And Sedans, But China Might Want This Instead
BMW Focuses On SUVs And Sedans, But China Might Want This Instead
BMW Focuses On SUVs And Sedans, But China Might Want This Instead
BMW Focuses On SUVs And Sedans, But China Might Want This Instead
BMW Focuses On SUVs And Sedans, But China Might Want This Instead
BMW Focuses On SUVs And Sedans, But China Might Want This Instead

Illustrations SugarDesign_1 / Instagram

Gen6 eDrive technology, a large capacity battery pack, and four superbrains would, in theory, give it a convincing blend of range and performance. At the same time, BMW could stay true to its roots, even if that sounds like an oxymoron here, and tune it to be genuinely engaging to drive rather than simply another comfort focused people carrier.

Speaking of competitors, a BMW Neue Klasse minivan would enter a saturated market. Rivals in China would include the likes of the Buick GL8 Avenir, Zeekr 009, Volvo EM90, Li Auto Mega, XPeng X9, Denza D9, Voyah Dreamer, and Maxus Mifa 9. Furthermore, there are similarly-sized minivans from Japan such as the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire, Lexus LM, and Nissan Elgrand.

BMW Focuses On SUVs And Sedans, But China Might Want This Instead

More: They Mocked Minivans For Years, Now Americans Are Fueling A Massive Sales Surge

While the concept was largely met with positive comments on social media, some didn’t like the idea of a BMW people-mover. Realistically, the Bavarian brand introducing a large minivan for China remains unlikely. Still, as BMW’s lineup continues to grow, stranger ideas have made it from sketch to showroom. In another timeline, this one might already be drawing customers away from Audi and Mercedes.