MUNICH: The all-electric 2026 BMW iX3 is the first series-produced Neue Klasse model.
The first variant is the iX3 50 xDrive, which has an all-wheel-drive configuration, powered by two electric motors, delivering 345kW/469hp and 645Nm of torque.
It accelerates from 0 to 100kph in 4.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 210kph.
It has a 108.7kWh high-voltage battery, enabling a range of up to 805km (WLTP cycle).
Advances brought by sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology include a maximum charging rate of 400kW.
This enables adding up to 372km of range in just 10 minutes, at an 800V direct current (DC) rapid charging station.
The high-voltage battery can charge from 10% to 80% capacity in 21 minutes.
The new iX3 50 xDrive can top up on alternating current (AC) at 11kW as standard, or 22kW as an option.
The drive technology developed for the Neue Klasse reduces energy losses by 40% compared to fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, weight by 10% and manufacturing costs by 20%.
Also, the product carbon footprint of the new BMW iX3 50 xDrive over its full life cycle – based on a mileage of 200,000km – is 34% smaller than that of its predecessor.
“The Neue Klasse is our biggest future project and marks a huge leap in terms of technologies, driving experience and design,” said BMW AG chairman Oliver Zipse.
“Practically everything about it is new, yet it is also more BMW than ever. Our entire product range will benefit from the innovations of the Neue Klasse – regardless of the drive technology."
"What started as a bold vision has now become reality: the BMW iX3 is the first Neue Klasse model to go into series production. We are not only bringing the next generation of one of our most successful fully electric vehicles onto the road, we are launching a new era for BMW,” he added.
The technologies of the Neue Klasse will be incorporated into a total of 40 new models and model updates between now and 2027.
The iX3 50 xDrive will be built at the newly constructed BMW Group plant in Debrecen, Hungary.
A defining element of the digital user experience in the new iX3 is BMW Panoramic iDrive, which elevates intuitive operation.
BMW Panoramic iDrive elevates intuitive operation – according to BMW’s fabled “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road” principle – to a new level of driver focus.
The BMW Panoramic Vision projects information across the full width of the windscreen, from A-pillar to A-pillar.
The content in the centre and on the front passenger side can be adapted to personal tastes and requirements.
Key driving information appears in the driver’s field of vision.
And above the BMW Panoramic Vision, the BMW 3D Head-Up Display (if specified) can now also show integrated navigation and automated driving displays on the road with spatial depth.
The free-cut-design Central Display with matrix backlight technology is located in an ergonomically ideal position next to the steering wheel.
On the driver’s side, vertically arranged widgets enable fast and direct access to particularly frequently used functions using QuickSelect tech.
A new electronics and software architecture including four “superbrain” high-performance computers makes the first Neue Klasse model more intelligent.
They pool their processing power for driving dynamics, automated driving, infotainment and basic and comfort-enhancing functions.
One of four “superbrains” in the electronics architecture of the Neue Klasse, the Heart of Joy looks after drivetrain and driving dynamics management.
This high-performance control unit is responsible for the drivetrain, brakes, energy recuperation and steering subfunctions, and processes information up to ten times faster than conventional control units.
In addition, the efficiency of the new iX3 is optimised by the integrated management of drivetrain, braking system and energy recuperation.
In everyday driving, 98% of braking manoeuvres are carried out using recuperation only - without application of the friction brakes.
Meanwhile, the new iX3 launches a new design language, which will be replicated across BMW’s model range in due course.
The sculpted BMW kidneys reference the Neue Klasse of the 1960s in their vertical arrangement.
Flush glass surfaces and door handles are also features of the side view.
Cargo capacity of the iX3 can be increased from 520 to 1,750 litres by folding down the rear seat backrests.
