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- All-new ground-up BMW iX3 represents a dramatic styling shift for the brand
- iX3 50 xDrive variant with a dual-motor configuration has been pencilled for Australia
- New 800V architecture means faster charging and a larger battery pack resulting in 800km+ range
- Expected to arrive in showrooms around mid-2026
BMW is on an electric offensive, and the first of its ‘Neue Klasse’ range of EVs is here with the iX3. Unlike the previous generation vehicle, the new iX3 is built from scratch and unrelated to the combustion engine model, bringing key benefits regarding packaging, range, and technology.
The Neue Klasse era of BMW design harks back to the radical 1960s makeover for the German brand, and this time, the styling takes a drastic turn compared to the usual BMW design philosophy.
To be considered an evolution of the Vision Neue Klasse X concept, the iX3 is slightly longer than the combustion X3 at 4,782mm. It has a longer wheelbase at 2,897mm and, importantly, debuts a cleaner look for the BMW brand. Notably, the kidney grille is more subtle, less in-your-face, and looks cleaner, while it harks back to the older BMW models with a retro vibe.
The grille is illuminated, and the vertical LEDs merge in perfectly. Meanwhile, the front end looks wider and has more presence, with a monolithic stance but a much more cohesive look. BMW wants to use a more ‘reduced’ design approach, apparent from the side with flat panels, flush door handles, and minimalist surfacing. With typical swoopy EV-like proportions, it’s not a forceful design, which we can appreciate in a modern era where cars appear to be designed by ChatGPT and not humans.
Good design always balances form and function, and the iX3 manages both. The drag coefficient is just 0.24 Cd, and the frunk measures 58 litres. Wheel sizes range from 20 to 22 inches, and there isn’t an “i” or M-Sport badge in sight.
Here in Australia, we’ll get the iX3 50 xDrive, which comes with a dual motor configuration developing an ample 345kW and 645Nm. Acceleration is brisk, with a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 210km/h. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, however, as underneath, there are many other changes, including switching to an 800V architecture for even faster charging and a new battery, which is part of the car’s structure itself to save weight.
The new motors are lighter, and the battery size has catapulted to a massive 108kWh. The claimed range of 805km (WLTP) simply blows away its predecessor, which only did 460km. Faster charging will also mean a 10-minute top-up will yield upwards of 350km. However, with an 11Kw AC charger, expect the time to be around 11 hours.
When we look inside, bigger touchscreen infotainment displays await the driver. There is no conventional digital driver display, and instead, we see a vast 43.3-inch screen stretching all the way to the bottom of the windscreen, reminding us of the A-pillar to A-pillar BMW Panoramic iDrive Head-Up Display shown earlier this year. Even the 17.9-inch touchscreen is all new and has the latest infotainment system.
Despite ridding the interior of physical buttons, BMW claims to have reduced complexity. Features like gesture control are thrown to the bin while physical buttons like a volume dial, mirror controls, and a conventional gear selector remain. Even the two-spoke steering wheel looks unique and has buttons illuminating when their functions are available so as not to distract the driver. Hopefully, they learned from some of Volkswagen Group’s previous mistakes.
Equipment levels are also quite generous, ranging from real to synthetic leather, powered seats, dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and more.
Buyers need to opt for a sunblind for the panoramic glass roof, though. Pricing details for our market will be revealed closer to the launch date, but expect it to be much higher than the AUD$91,000 starting price of the current-generation BMW iX3.
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