BMW Showcases the "Neue Klasse" with the iX3

The "Neue Klasse" is set to give BMW more momentum in the field of e-mobility. The first series model, the iX3, is being launched with a host of new technology.

At BMW, the fate of electric mobility—and perhaps even more—depends on the so-called "Neue Klasse". With the iX3, the Munich-based company has now unveiled the first production model based on this platform. It is expected to bring significant advances not only in terms of technical data, from range to environmental friendliness, but also to generate more revenue. Experts see the success or failure of the concept, which has been announced and developed for years, as a decisive factor for the future of the group, which has recently suffered significant declines in profits.

BMW has developed a new design language for the "Neue Klasse": At 4,782 mm long, 1,895 mm wide, and 1,635 mm high, the iX3 is immediately recognizable as a BMW SUV thanks to its proportions. But it has a completely new front end with small, vertical, illuminated kidney grilles. The narrow headlights are integrated into a glass cover that extends to the kidney grille. Viewed from the side, the glass surfaces and door handles are flush with the angular wheel arches. Like its big brother, the iX, the rear features wide, somewhat unimaginative taillights, but no continuous light strip.

BMW iX3 with "Heart of Joy" and Round Cells

At the presentation, CEO Oliver Zipse resorts to superlatives, speaking of a once-in-a-lifetime moment and the "future of the car". The key technical data: The range increases to 800 km, batteries and drive systems become more efficient, charging times shorter, and computers faster. The CO₂ footprint often attributed to electric cars is shrinking: after 21,500 km, this disadvantage from manufacturing is said to be offset by lower CO₂ emissions compared to an equivalent combustion engine.

The sixth-generation "BMW eDrive" drive system in the BMW iX3 50 xDrive delivers a maximum output of 345 kW (469 hp). One electric motor on the front axle and one on the rear axle provide electric all-wheel drive in the 800 V vehicle. The SUV, which has a top speed of 210 km/h, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The newly developed "Heart of Joy" control unit is designed to ensure greater efficiency and driving dynamics. The round cells of the 108.7 kWh high-voltage battery are integrated into the vehicle architecture according to the "cell-to-pack" principle and as a structural component ("pack-to-open-body"). The range of the iX3 is expected to be up to 805 km according to WLTP. The maximum charging power is 400 kW at an 800 V charging station, where it can be charged from 10 to 80 % in 21 minutes under ideal conditions. Thanks to an integrated switching matrix, the iX3 can also be charged with direct current at 400 V stations. The SUV also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G).

The New Operating Concept Starts in the Mid-Range

Inside, the iX3 features a striking multifunction steering wheel with two vertical spokes and upright control islands on the left and right. The importance BMW attaches to the series launch of the "Neue Klasse" can also be seen in one detail: The new "Panoramic iDrive" operating concept, which displays all important information in a "Panoramic Vision" display strip more than a meter wide directly below the windshield, is not being introduced with a model at the top of the BMW model range, as is usually the case with such innovations, but with the iX3 in the middle of the range. A 3D head-up display is also available as an option. The "Superbrain of Automated Driving" driver assistance system is also making its debut in the iX3.

The "Neue Klasse" is not made for the niche market: Zipse emphasizes that a conscious decision was made to launch in a segment with high volumes. And the next model is also set to come from BMW's bread-and-butter business, the 3 Series.

Separate Version of the BMW iX3 for China

Although BMW always preaches its technology-open approach, the Munich-based company is clearly showing here that it is committed to electric cars. However, this has a disadvantage from an economic point of view: Until now, electric cars have been considered to have significantly lower margins than combustion engines. Here, too, the "Neue Klasse" is expected to bring about a leap forward. Chief Financial Officer Walter Mertl already sees the iX3 achieving margin parity with comparable combustion engines. After several significant declines, the manufacturer could certainly use more profit. The BMW iX3 will launch in Europe in spring 2026 and in the US in summer 2026.

The car has been well received by experts. "The iX3 will be among the frontrunners", says Stefan Reindl, director of the Institute for Automotive Economics. The car is well designed. Now BMW has to convince the markets of its merits, which is particularly challenging in the important Chinese market. Industry expert Ferdinand Dudenhöffer also sees the "Neue Klasse" as an important step. "The litmus test for vehicles based on the New Class architecture will be China", he says. "If BMW manages to reverse the trend there, it will be a huge leap forward". In addition to the technology, price positioning will be key. "If the price is right, BMW can manage to reverse the negative trend in China". BMW is also taking this into account with its own China variant, which is also set to go into production next year.

This is a partly automated translation of this German article, written in part by dpa.