MUNICH: Prototypes of the next-generation BMW iX3 are currently undergoing extensive testing in Miramas, southern France.
The Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) will celebrate its world premiere at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich in September.
“Longer range, faster charging, an all-new display and operating concept, and the intelligence of four superbrains are the distinguishing features of the Neue Klasse," said Neue Klasse BMW head Mike Reichelt.
The all-electric 6th-generation powertrain (Gen6) allows the new iX3 50 xDrive to have an electric range of up to 800km (WLTP).
With 400kW maximum charging, it can be charged for a range of more than 350km (WLTP) in just 10 minutes.
Gen6 technology allows users to monitor the charging performance and curve live via the My BMW App.
Meanwhile, the BMW Panoramic iDrive shows all relevant driving information in the driver’s ideal line of sight:
BMW Panoramic Vision - information is projected onto a black printed surface in the windscreen from A-pillar to A-pillar.
3D Head-Up Display - the optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display projects information for navigation and automated driving into the driver’s direct field of vision above the BMW Panoramic Vision Display.
Also, the "superbrain" Heart of Joy in the Neue Klasse raises driving dynamics to a new level.
Together with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software stack, the Heart of Joy is pivotal to powertrain, brakes, recuperation and sub-functions of the steering system.
It processes information 10 times faster than previous systems and therefore responds more directly than ever to the driver’s command.
Fewer control inputs are required, directional stability is more precise and stable.
As a result, the vehicle develops consistent and reproducible cornering characteristics and can be steered intuitively.
Powertrain and braking functions also work together harmoniously to decelerate the vehicle.
Recuperation can be used across the whole speed range down to a standstill.
Indeed, in 98% of cases, the vehicle can be brought to a standstill without applying the friction brakes – without noise or jolts.
The basic model of the BMW iX3 offers functions like lane change warning, road priority warning, safe exit, and assisted view.
Safe exit uses side-mounted radars to monitor traffic next to the car while stopping and warns the driver of approaching objects.
The new Assisted View shows the latest driving situation precisely and in detail alternatively in the Central Display, the Panoramic Vision, or 3D Head-Up Display.
The motorway assistant with automatic lane change will be available with extended features in the BMW iX3.
Upon request, it can assist drivers from when they join a motorway to when they leave it and allow drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel for long periods.
This assistant remains active even during automated motorway changes along an active navigation route.
The new Motorway & City Assistant helps the driver in complex driving situations in urban areas, e.g. through tight corners or roundabouts.
It brakes automatically at red traffic lights and moves off again or sounds an audible signal when lights turn green.
Symbiotic driver assistance, as it is known, enables perfect interaction between tech and driver regarding both comfort and safety functions, and creates a seamless transition between cooperative steering and – a world first – cooperative braking.
When the function is active, the driver can influence the system at any time without causing the assistant to be switched off by turning the steering wheel or applying brakes just a little in order to adjust the responses of the system.
The parking functions can be activated intuitively and offer an AI-based selection of parking assistance services, parking space recognition, maneuver planning, and an improved parking experience.
Extended monitoring functions help the driver to avoid damage to the vehicle while parking the car.
