BMW has unveiled an all-new electric vehicle (EV) at the ongoing IAA Mobility Show in Munich, Germany. Called the BMW iX3, its first production model to be underpinned by the Neue Klasse platform. Besides a new architecture, BMW also adopts a brand new design language which significantly differs from the brand’s current design philosophy.
Previewed as the Vision Neue Klasse X concept last year, the BMW iX3 is expected to go on sale in India sometime around late 2026.
BMW iX3: Design
The new iX3 is radically different from its predecessor with its completely redesigned front fascia with a brand new kidney grille featuring two vertical slats flanked by single slats on each end. This whole setup is flanked by slim headlamps with a new light signature. The side profile of the iX3 has a clean and understated design with flush fitting door handles and squared wheel arches.
The arches are filled up with 20-inch alloy wheels as standard with the option to upgrade up to 22-inch alloys. At the rear, the iX3 features a different interpretation of the L-shaped lighting signature housed within new wraparound clusters. Dimensionally, the BMW iX3 measures 4,782mm in length, 1,895mm in width and 1,635mm in height. Tweaks to the front and rear bumpers have resulted in improved aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.24.
BMW iX3: Interiors & Features
The cabin layout of the new BMW iX3 is minimalist with most features controlled either by the multi-functional 4-spoke steering wheel or the massive 17.9-inch central touchscreen running on BMW OS X. A full-width Panoramic Vision system sits just below the edge of the windscreen. Interior trims come in multiple themes, ranging from sustainable fabrics to leather. The M Sport variants further enhance the cabin with sport seats, an M steering wheel, and black high-gloss accents.
In terms of features, the BMW has kitted the iX3 with all the bells and whistles including a 3D head-up display, a panoramic glass roof, connected car tech, Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), etc. The iX3 offers 520 litres of boot space, which expands to 1,750 litres when the rear seats are folded. Additionally, a 58-litre storage compartment is available under the bonnet.
BMW iX3: Powertrain
Underneath the shell, the iX3 is built on BMW’s EV-only Gen6 architecture that comes with 800V charging compatibility. This platform supports up to 400 kW DC fast charging that tops up 372km of range in just 10 minutes. It gets a 108.7kWh (net) battery that offers a range of 679-805 km in a single charge (WLTP cycle). Using the 400 kW DC fast charger, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 21 minutes.
The iX3 will come with a dual electric motor setup enabling all-wheel drive. The combined output from these two motors stands at 463 bhp and 645 Nm of torque. As for performance, the iX3 can sprint from a standstill to 100 kmph in 4.9 seconds. The electric SUV can clock a top speed of 210 kmph.