KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Malaysia has launched the new iX3 50 xDrive M Sport Pro to mark the arrival of the German carmaker's Neue Klasse (New Class) generation in Malaysia.
The all-electric sports activity vehicle (SAV) is priced at RM378,800 on-the-road without insurance or RM399,800 with BMW Service and Repair Inclusive programme.
The iX3's service coverage extends to six years with unlimited mileage, with an eight-year high-voltage battery warranty.
The iX3 is also accompanied by BMW's Roadside Assistance, where customers can receive 24/7 emergency support - including towing, courtesy cars, and hotel accommodation in the event of an unprecedented emergency.
The iX3 is the first production model from BMW's Neue Klasse family and brings with it a completely new electric drivetrain, exterior design and cabin technology.
For colour options, there's Alpine White, Black Sapphire, M Brooklyn Grey, Space Silver, Ocean Wave Blue and Polarised Grey.
The iX3 is powered by two electric motors producing a combined output of 345kW (469hp) and 645Nm of torque.
Drive is sent to all four wheels through BMW's xDrive system, allowing the iX3 to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 4.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 210kph.
Energy comes from a 108.7kWh battery, allowing it to travel up to 805km (WLTP), with energy consumption rated at between 15.1kWh and 17.9kWh per 100km.
The iX3 uses BMW's sixth-generation eDrive technology and an 800-volt electrical architecture.
The architecture is able to accept up to 400kW of fast DC charging, allowing it to add up to 372km of range from just a 10-minute charge.
The battery can also be charged from 10% to 80% in about 21 minutes under suitable conditions.
The new drivetrain is controlled by BMW's Heart of Joy system, which manages the electric motors, braking, energy recuperation and other driving functions.
The system is said to process information significantly faster than conventional control systems, allowing the vehicle to respond more quickly to driver inputs.
The iX3 also introduces a new approach to regenerative braking with much of the vehicle's deceleration handled through energy recuperation, thus reducing the need to use the conventional brakes.
Visually, the iX3 represents a major departure from the previous model.
The front end is dominated by BMW's new interpretation of the kidney grille, with the vertical design paying homage to the original Neue Klasse models of the 1960s.
The grille can be fitted with BMW Iconic Glow, and gets flanked by slimmer headlights positioned at the outer edges of the front end - adding to a more minimal look.
There are also flush-fitting door handles that help improve the car's aerodynamic efficiency, and horizontal LED light clusters.
The iX3 rolls on 22-inch Y-Spoke Style 1054 M bicolour light-alloy wheels and gets high-gloss red M Sport brake callipers.
Inside, the conventional instrument cluster has effectively been replaced by the new BMW Panoramic Vision, a 43.3-inch display that stretches across the dashboard at the base of the windscreen.
The system places key driving information directly in the driver's line of sight, while other widgets can display navigation, media and other information.
A new BMW 3D Head-Up Display (HUD) provides additional information without requiring the driver to look down.
The centre of the dashboard houses a 17.9-inch central display running BMW Operating System X, which also uses a widget-based interface along with QuickSelect functions.
There's also the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant that allows drivers to control various vehicle functions using natural language.
The new M steering wheel also gets a flat upper and lower section along with integrated haptic controls, as well as physical controls for important driving functions.
The cabin uses a textile-covered dashboard with integrated backlighting, complemented by ambient lighting.
The front M Sport seats feature larger side bolsters and pronounced shoulder sections, together with a seven-programme massage function; power adjustability with memory, as well as heating and steering wheel heating as standard.
A 430W 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system provides the entertainment, while a wireless charging tray allows compatible smartphones to be charged without cables.
Rear passengers get adjustable seatbacks, a centre armrest with cup holders and USB-C ports.
The tri-zone automatic air-conditioning system can also be controlled from the rear.
A panoramic sunroof with climate comfort glazing helps to reduce heat from entering the cabin.
Practicality remains reasonable for a performance-oriented electric SAV with the boot providing 520 litres of space or 1,750 litres with the rear 40/20/40 seats folded.
A 58-litre storage compartment beneath the front hood is also available and can be used to store smaller items, such as charging equipment.
Comfort and convenience are further enhanced by BMW Digital Key Plus, which allows a compatible smartphone or smartwatch to function as the vehicle key.
The system can detect the driver approaching the vehicle and automatically extend the door handles.
The iX3 also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while BMW Digital Premium provides access to additional entertainment and connected services.
The My BMW App allows owners to check vehicle status and charging information remotely, as well as control selected vehicle functions.
Driver assistance technology includes systems for lane keeping, lane changing, distance control, emergency braking and parking.
Parking Assistant Professional provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle and allows selected parking manoeuvres to be performed remotely using the My BMW App.
BMW Group Malaysia managing director Benjamin Nagel said the original Neue Klasse started in the 1960s with the BMW 1500.
"It transformed not only what BMW was capable of but the entire premium segment itself, setting the direction and benchmark for every vehicle in the segment.
"Today, the New BMW iX3 and the modern concept of the Neue Klasse is that vehicle for this generation.
"Already named World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle of the Year 2026, the New BMW iX3 is redefining the experience of every BMW and the premium segment itself moving forward,” added Nagel.
