BMW is reinventing itself. The clumsy time period “Neue Klasse” has lastly taken form, and the all-new iX3 is its first bodily expression. 5 extra fashions will comply with by 2027, with the underlying know-how anticipated to circulate into 40 future BMW autos. Forward of the 2025 IAA, the Munich model is asking this transition the largest in its historical past. However at first, the BMW iX3 is a brand-new automobile – and an excellent one at that.
The true significance of a brand new mannequin normally solely turns into clear after a number of years. On this case, nevertheless, the impression is already apparent. The brand new iX3 isn’t simply one other SUV – it’s the automobile designed to redefine BMW itself. Manufacturing, improvement, design, consumer interface: almost the whole lot has been rethought. This shift in direction of an all-electric future will probably be led by six Neue Klasse fashions, beginning with the iX3. “Neue Klasse is our most essential future challenge,” explains BMW CEO Oliver Zipse. “It represents an enormous leap in know-how, driving expertise and design. Virtually the whole lot about it’s new – and but it’s extra BMW than ever. Our complete portfolio will profit from the improvements of the Neue Klasse, no matter powertrain.”
The earlier iX3 was little greater than a stopgap resolution. Initially supposed just for the Chinese language market, it was shortly dropped at Europe as soon as it was clear the demand for EVs within the SUV phase was rising quickly. Nonetheless, it was primarily based on a platform designed for combustion engines, got here solely with rear-wheel drive, and was restricted to 180km/h – not precisely what BMW patrons have been on the lookout for. Unsurprisingly, it did not resonate with the model’s conventional buyer base, who remained loyal to environment friendly diesel fashions.
The brand new iX3 modifications the whole lot. Measuring 4.78 metres in size, it has been developed from the bottom up as a pure EV. It options recent design language, streamlined improvement processes and a very new structure that can underpin at the very least 5 extra fashions. Launching because the iX3 xDrive50, it delivers 345kW (469bhp) and 675Nm of torque. Extra variants – each extra and fewer highly effective – will comply with.
With a claimed consumption of simply over 15kWh/100km and a battery capability of 108.7kWh (that includes 20% increased power density), the WLTP vary can attain as much as 800km. Due to its 800-volt electrical system, the iX3 can recharge 370km of vary in simply ten minutes at as much as 400kW, rivalling combustion-engine refuelling occasions. High velocity is restricted to 210km/h. Commonplace AC charging is 11kW, with a 22kW possibility accessible. Bidirectional charging permits for V2L (vehicle-to-load), V2H (vehicle-to-home) and even V2G (vehicle-to-grid) performance.
Chassis, brakes, steering and driver help techniques are all related through 4 high-performance computer systems. Nonetheless, degree 3 autonomous functionality received’t be accessible at launch. As a substitute, the iX3 will carry over the identical techniques at present seen within the BMW i5. Nonetheless, it excels in different areas: sustainability, for instance. Constructed at BMW’s new Debrecen plant, the iX3 boasts a 34% discount in lifecycle CO₂ emissions in comparison with its predecessor.
Inside, there’s ample house for 5, however traditionalists could also be shocked by the cockpit. The acquainted BMW instrument cluster is gone, changed by a slim show strip alongside the bottom of the windscreen, a central touchscreen and a head-up show. The longstanding three-spoke steering wheel has additionally been retired. As a replacement is a brand new, illuminated four-spoke design supposed to information drivers by way of BMW’s newest iDrive interface.
Boot house stands at 520 litres, expandable to 1,750 litres with the rear seats folded. A 58-litre entrance compartment is on the market for charging cables and small gadgets. The bottom value for the BMW iX3 xDrive50 is predicted to begin at €68,900.
