The New All-Electric BMW iX3: A First Step into the Future

BMW has officially ushered in the Neue Klasse era with the world premiere of the second-generation all-electric iX3. More than just a new electric SUV, the iX3 represents the brand’s vision for the future, featuring an entirely new design language, a platform specifically developed for electric vehicles, and a super-brain computing architecture.

Launch and Key Specs

The first version to hit the market will be the iX3 50 xDrive, expected to arrive at dealerships in mid-2026. This model will feature a dual-motor system that produces 463 horsepower (345 kW) and offer an estimated range of approximately 805 km. The starting price is projected to be around $60,000.

A New Era of Design

The production version of the new iX3 stays remarkably true to the Vision Neue Klasse X concept unveiled in 2024. This new design approach will be applied to all future BMW models.

• The front features a reinterpretation of the classic dual-headlight and vertical kidney grille setup, inspired by the 2002 Series.
• Aerodynamic improvements have reduced the drag coefficient from 0.29 to 0.24.
• The new iX3 is 49 mm longer and has a 34 mm longer wheelbase than its predecessor, with dimensions of 4,783 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width, and 1,636 mm in height.

Interior Features

The cabin’s most striking feature is the Panoramic iDrive display, a screen that spans the entire width of the windshield. It works in conjunction with a 17.9-inch central touchscreen and an optional 3D head-up display, all managed by the new BMW Operating System X.

Physical buttons are retained for essential functions such as wipers, turn signals, mirrors, gear selection, parking brake, and audio volume.

• The cargo capacity is 861 liters with the rear seats up and expands to 1,841 liters when folded down.
• A 57-liter frunk (front trunk) and ample in-cabin storage are also available.

Advanced Computing Architecture

The iX3 is equipped with four high-performance computers that form its digital nervous system. The “Heart of Joy” unit coordinates the motor, brakes, energy recuperation, and steering. Another unit handles autonomous driving and parking systems.

The vehicle comes standard with Active Driving Assistant Plus, with an optional Highway Assistant that allows for extended hands-free driving. BMW’s “Symbiotic Drive” system ensures seamless cooperation between the driver and autonomous systems. The car is fully software-defined and will receive continuous over-the-air software updates.

Performance and Battery

The iX3 is the first series-production vehicle to use BMW’s new Neue Klasse platform and 800-volt architecture.

• The iX3 50 xDrive has a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup producing 463 horsepower and 645 Nm of torque.
• It can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 210 km/h.
• The 108 kWh net battery capacity provides a WLTP-rated range of 805 km.
• With 400 kW fast-charging support, you can add 370 km of range in just 10 minutes.
• Charging from 10% to 80% takes only 21 minutes.
• The car also supports bi-directional charging.

Price and Release Date

Production of the BMW iX3 is set to begin in the first quarter of 2026 at the Debrecen factory in Hungary. The car is expected to go on sale in the summer of 2026, with a starting price of approximately $60,000.

The Neue Klasse platform isn’t limited to a single model. BMW plans to release approximately 40 new models using this technology by 2027, with the next one being an all-electric four-door sedan equivalent of the 3 Series.

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