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) | ±490 km |
| Max DC charging | 205 kW |
| 10 → 80% | ±28 min |
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.
Verify 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.