BMW's Neue Klasse makes its screen debut alongside Spider-Man

iX3, 5 Series sedan appear in 'Brand New Day'

Film earns $1.6B globally; 6 million admissions in S. Korea

Neue Klasse's first production model showcases new technology

5 Series leads premium mid-large segment in chase scene and sales

Spider-Man alongside the new BMW iX3. [Provided by BMW]

As "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" continues its global box-office run, the BMW vehicles featured in the film are drawing attention of their own. BMW used the superhero's "brand new start" — his first solo outing in five years — to introduce the first production model of its Neue Klasse, or "new class," lineup, putting its latest technology in front of audiences worldwide.

According to BMW on Wednesday, the all-electric BMW iX3 and the BMW 5 Series sedan appear throughout the film, which opened last month. Key characters ride in the vehicles, and the cars are placed throughout action sequences, weaving BMW's innovation and future vision into the story.

The film is the fourth Spider-Man entry starring Tom Holland. The Holland-led Spider-Man series has drawn a cumulative audience of more than 22 million in South Korea alone, and the new installment became the fastest film released this year to surpass 6 million domestic admissions. Globally, it crossed $1.1 billion in revenue within seven days of opening, cementing its place as this year's top-grossing film.

Neue Klasse meets 'Brand New Day': the new BMW iX3 makes its presence felt

The new BMW iX3 makes its entrance alongside Sadie Sink, a new character in the film. On a dark night road, the model announces itself through a vertically structured kidney grille and double headlights. The redesigned kidney grille draws on the 1960s BMW Neue Klasse aesthetic updated for the modern era, replacing chrome trim with illuminated elements.

The new BMW iX3 is a premium all-electric sports activity vehicle and the first production model of the Neue Klasse platform, representing a comprehensive reinvention of technology, driving experience and design. The film's title, "Brand New Day," and the iX3's identity as the start of a new era for the brand align symbolically.

The film also features BMW Panoramic iDrive, which integrates modern design and digital technology. Debuting on the new BMW iX3 as a brand first, the system includes BMW Panoramic Vision, which projects driving information across the full width of the windshield from the left pillar to the right, minimizing eye movement. The central display is also angled 17.5 degrees toward the driver for a more intuitive user experience.

To preserve driving pleasure in the electrification era, BMW equipped the new iX3 with a supercomputer called "Heart of Joy." The system integrates and controls key driving elements — acceleration, steering and braking — in real time through a single platform, delivering fast and precise responsiveness.

The new BMW iX3 achieves a maximum range of 611 kilometers on a single charge under South Korean certification standards (805 kilometers on the WLTP cycle), the highest in its class. The 50 xDrive powertrain available in South Korea produces a maximum output of 469 horsepower and peak torque of 65.8 kilogram-meters, with a 0-to-100 kilometers-per-hour sprint time of 4.9 seconds.

530i powers Spider-Man chase scene as 5 Series dominates imports

Spider-Man alongside the BMW 5 Series sedan. [Provided by BMW]

The BMW 530i xDrive also turns heads in a chase sequence. When Spider-Man lands on the roof, the driver switches the driving mode to Sport via the central display, and the 530i xDrive responds with a deeper exhaust note and sharp acceleration.

The BMW 5 Series holds the top spot in South Korea's imported premium mid-large sedan segment, built on its credentials as a business sedan and its premium appeal. The model sold 16,018 units through July this year. Its powertrain lineup spans gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid and electric variants.

The 5 Series also anchors BMW's overall domestic sales. BMW sold 45,683 vehicles in South Korea from January through July, with the 5 Series accounting for 35.1 percent of that total.

The best-selling model is the BMW 520i, which moved 8,703 units from January through July to hold the top spot among individual premium mid-large sedan models. The all-wheel-drive gasoline BMW 530i xDrive followed with 3,236 units, while the plug-in hybrid BMW 530e — including the 530e xDrive — accounted for 1,029 units.

The BMW 520i stands out for the wide range of convenience features and advanced functions it offers as standard equipment for South Korean buyers. Standard kit includes adaptive LED headlights with a high-beam assist function, a BMW Curved Display and BMW Head-Up Display to help drivers stay focused on the road, and 19-inch wheels that give the exterior a sportier look.

The model also comes fully loaded with advanced driver-assistance systems. The BMW 520i includes Driving Assistant Professional as standard, covering active cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keeping assist, and collision and rear-end warning systems. Parking Assistant Plus — incorporating automatic parking and reversing assistance along with surround view — is also standard, enhancing both safety and convenience.

"The new BMW iX3 and BMW 5 Series sedan in the film go beyond simply appearing on screen — they are woven naturally into the development of the story," a BMW official said. "In particular, the new BMW iX3, the first production model of the Neue Klasse that embodies BMW's future vision, aligns with the message of a new beginning symbolized by the film's title, representing a new era for the brand."

eyre@heraldcorp.com