Neue Sometimes Means A Redeux: Quick Jump

The first week of reborn Sped is in the books. With it came a lot of patience, lenience on your part as the reader, and renewed motivation to turn the blog into something greater.

The sky’s the limit for where this blog can go. It’s going to take a lot of adjustments to reach its status of an institution but I see it. I can picture it happening and I hope you can, too.

First things first, there must be discipline. This means a dedicated posting schedule that should minimize the occurrence of new material being released on Saturday Sunday when complications arise. So I’m still dabbling with the publishing calendar and how to balance it with exclusive bonus content landing on Patreon.

And finally, there’s social media to reckon so Sped can reach a larger audience. Gee whiz, that’s a lot to think about.

Okay let’s take it one step at a time. For now, I’m proposing an alternating schedule that allows you to catch up on leisure-era Sped before it goes to the archives, and me to prepare material ahead of time for serious-era Sped.

So far, that looks like this:

Week 1

Tuesday Thursday, Saturday

Week 2

Monday, Wednesday

This does not take Vibe Checks into account which I will attempt to deliver at the end of every week because some sites do on the daily. So at the very least, you’ll get regular recaps.

I’ll also point out that this schedule pertains to the free blog while Patreon is still getting worked out. With that mind, let’s get on with the Monday post since we’re on the second week of the schedule in progress.

BMW is reworking its brand image to roll out a new lineup of EVs. Neue Klasse marks a new chapter for the brand, showcasing an all new design language to go with a new generation of battery tech that should see future models reaching more than 400 miles per charge.

Marking the turning point is the redesign of BMW’s most important model. The X5 was the first SUV for the brand when it launched for 1999. Very quickly it became the bestseller. Some 20-odd years later, it’s the most valuable asset.

The X5 is not the first BMW to receive the Neue Klasse makeover. It is however, the first one that will be offered with a gas engine as well as a battery electric vehicle. In fact, BMW is launching it with four different forms of propulsion, including plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell options in the near future.

Inside, I quite like Bimmer’s approach to screens. A dashboard-wide display sits just below the windshield to yield crucial information, such as speed and temperature, while a trapezoidal monolith sits within arm’s reach. This includes a passenger screen you can skip because your smartphone will provide hours of entertainment during a road trip.

This is not the first Neue Klasse in brand history. Until the 1960s, BMW was a prestigious luxury carmaker until it was in the fiscal position to offer more. More cars to more people for a less premium price tag without losing the driving verve that it became famous for. Neue Klasse simply means “new class.” Pretty much straight to the point.

Part two of Neue Klasse doesn’t refer to a new social class, but an advanced lineup of battery EVs that can go further from the plug. Sooner or later, the visual overhaul will soon trickle to every model, without the necessitate to choose electric.

In a way, the brand’s mission is not too different from what Sped is trying to achieve. It’s just better known. Not our first time around the sun; launching with renewed enthusiasm and purpose.

The difference is I won’t charge you $71,250 for the cheapest form of access. Hell, I’ll barely charge you at all, Substack is free. But if you want to leave something in the tip jar, you’re welcome to say kudos. If you want to see Sped go further and beyond, consider subscribing to Patreon.

Join the Sped Neue Klasse. Let’s go further together.

-TA