CLAR
formerly Cluster Architektur (OKL)CLAR (Cluster Architektur) is BMW's modular rear-wheel-drive combustion platform, adapted to also carry electric drive. The same floor appears as the petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and fully electric version of the 3, 4, 5 and 7 Series and the X3 — the i4, i5, i7 and the first iX3 are therefore electric variants of existing models, not purpose-built EVs. For a used-car buyer this means the battery has been fitted into a body not primarily designed for an EV; charging speed and pack size are lower than with a comparable skateboard.
CLAR is the EV platform of BMW Group, in production since 2021, with a 400V architecture. The CLAR platform carries 5 models from 1 brand. The WLTP range of the current variants on CLAR runs from 471 to 627 km.
Pick the car first, then the version — chemistry, battery and drive differ per version.
Platform schematic
BMW i4
eDrive402025+ · facelift· verified| Battery (gross) | 83.9 kWh NMC |
|---|---|
| Battery (usable) | 81.3 kWh |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Power | 250 kW |
| Motors | 1× · 0 front / 1 rear |
| WLTP range | 613 km |
| Real range (estimate) | ±505 km |
| Consumption (WLTP) | 13.3 kWh/100 km |
| Consumption (real, estimate) | ±16.1 kWh/100 km |
| Max DC charging | 205 kW |
| 10 → 80% | ±28 min |
| Added per 10 min | ±125 km |
Charging speed per variant
peak DC charging power · 10 → 80%
Models on this platform
Platform evolution
- 2021First electric CLARBMW electrifies its combustion platform: the first iX3 shares its floor with the X3
- 2021i4 and iX expandThe i4 Gran Coupé comes to market on the same modular architecture
- 2023i5 and i7 followThe large 5 and 7 Series gain electric variants alongside petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid
- 2024Facelift wavei4 and iX3 get a refresh; the iX3 on this floor is then replaced by the Neue Klasse
Frequently asked questions
- Which models are built on the CLAR platform?
- The CLAR platform carries BMW i4, BMW i5, BMW i5 Touring, BMW i7 and BMW iX3 (G08).
- Which group owns the CLAR platform and how long has it been in production?
- The CLAR platform was developed by BMW Group, has been in production since 2021 and runs at 400V.
- Does the BMW i4 (2025+) charge faster than the previous generation?
- The BMW i4 (2025+) charges at a peak of 205 kW, against 207 kW for the 2021–2024 generation.
- Which variant on the CLAR platform charges fastest?
- The BMW i5 eDrive40 charges on the CLAR platform at a peak of 206 kW and goes from 10 to 80% in ±29 minutes.
Comparable cars in stock
These electric cars from our stock ride on the same platform. Inspected, warranted and delivered road-ready across Belgium.
Prices and availability are updated daily on carmatch.be. Range according to WLTP.
Go to the stock on carmatch.beVerify the specifications of each version before purchase or customer use. Real-world range is a CarMatch estimate for mixed driving, not a manufacturer figure. Battery values are gross packs; charging times are approximations. Not a homologation document, not an offer.