BMW has officially revealed the iX3, the first vehicle built on its next-generation electric platform, “Neue Klasse.” Debuting at the Munich auto show, the iX3 is a major step in the automaker’s push to reinvent itself as a software-focused company and challenge the dominance of Chinese EV manufacturers. The iX3 is just the beginning, with over 40 more Neue Klasse models expected over the next two years.
Read: Bandwidth Blog & Smile 90.4FM Tech Tuesday: Smart shopping trollies!
The iX3 is BMW’s first EV to use an 800-volt architecture, which allows for incredibly fast charging speeds of up to 400kW. This translates to adding as much as 230 miles of range in just 10 minutes. The vehicle also features BMW’s new Gen6 cylindrical battery cells, which are 50% cheaper to build and offer 30% more range and faster charging than previous generations. While BMW hasn’t disclosed the exact battery size, it claims the iX3 will have an EPA-estimated range of over 400 miles.
The first version to be released will be the iX3 50 xDrive, an all-wheel-drive model that produces 463 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque. This variant is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealerships by mid-2026 with a starting price of $60,000.
A key component of the Neue Klasse platform is the “Heart of Joy” computer, one of the vehicle’s four “superbrains.” This single black box integrates various functions—like traction and stability control—that are typically handled by a dozen different processors. This unification promises a more dynamic and responsive driving experience.
The iX3 also introduces the Panoramic iDrive, a combination of the instrument cluster, heads-up display, and central display that runs on the automaker’s Android-based Operating System X. The system is designed to minimize distractions while driving, which is why BMW has included physical buttons and knobs for essential controls like HVAC and audio volume.
See also
In terms of design, the iX3 features a slimmer, more vertically aligned kidney grille, a notable departure from some of BMW’s previous, more aggressive EV designs. At 188.3 inches long, it’s longer than most gas-powered X3 models, but not as long as the iX.
With features that can be improved over time via over-the-air updates, the iX3 is a clear signal that BMW is serious about competing with EV leaders like Tesla and new Chinese manufacturers. The iX3 is a crucial piece of BMW’s mission to convince buyers that it can offer the ultimate combination of range, power, and software in an electric vehicle.
