First Neue Klasse SUV With 497-Mile Vary and 400 kW Charging

The 2026 BMW iX3 is greater than only a new electrical SUV — it’s the primary manufacturing mannequin of BMW’s daring Neue Klasse period, a reinvention on the dimensions of the corporate’s Sixties rebirth. After years of teasers and ideas, the wait is lastly over. Greater, sooner, and smarter than earlier than, the iX3 introduces BMW’s sixth-generation electrical drive system, cutting-edge digital cockpit, and a recent design language meant to hold the model into the subsequent decade.

BMW claims Neue Klasse is the only largest funding within the firm’s historical past. Chairman Oliver Zipse describes the formidable mission as a “new period,” heralded by the iX3. Codenamed “NA5,” the overhauled electrical crossover has nearly nothing in frequent with its CLAR-based predecessor: “Virtually the whole lot about it’s new, but it is usually extra BMW than ever,” provides Zipse.

From Idea to Actuality: Imaginative and prescient Neue Klasse X Turns into the iX3

We first caught a glimpse of the iX3 final yr when the Imaginative and prescient Neue Klasse X idea broke cowl. That idea has now matured right into a manufacturing mannequin, ushering in a brand new design language BMW describes as “lowered, characterful, and timeless.” Magnificence is subjective, in fact, and prospects will finally resolve. Nonetheless, there’s no denying BMW’s effort to declutter its designs with fewer strains and creases.

The cleaner look with flush door handles and smoother surfaces brings tangible aerodynamic advantages. The drag coefficient has dropped from 0.29 to simply 0.24, helped partly by aero-optimized wheels. The iX3 will come commonplace with 20-inch alloys, whereas larger trims will improve to 21- or 22-inch units. A few of them can be obtainable by BMW Particular person, alongside lighter Air Efficiency wheels.

Cleaner Design, Higher Aerodynamics

Visually, the iX3 stays true to the Imaginative and prescient Neue Klasse X earlier than it. A retro-inspired vertical grille nods to the unique Neue Klasse fashions from the Sixties, although in 2025, chrome has given approach to lighting. The entrance fascia good points a hanging illuminated contour round a tastefully proportioned grille. No gigantic kidneys right here, fortunately.

Futuristic headlights with vertical LEDs give the iX3 a concept-car vibe, making it look instantly extra trendy than its predecessor. Horizontal gentle strips flanking the grille add width to the entrance and emphasize the idea really feel. The “lowered” strategy additionally meant deleting the “i” badge. In actual fact, even the M badges on the fenders are actually historical past. Discuss much less is extra.

On the rear, redesigned taillights stretch a lot farther inward than earlier than, virtually assembly within the middle, had been it not for the BMW roundel bisecting them. The design carefully mirrors the Imaginative and prescient Neue Klasse X, making the earlier iX3 look immediately older by comparability. One delicate change: the mannequin designation badge has moved to the fitting. Initially, the one model would be the 50 xDrive. Different variants will comply with, together with an “entry-level” mannequin. Anticipate a rear-wheel-drive single-motor model, an M Efficiency taste, and even a full M within the coming years.

Contained in the Future: Panoramic Imaginative and prescient and iDrive X

Step inside, and the adjustments are much more dramatic. Overlook the whole lot you realize concerning the outdated iX3; that is one thing else completely. The rotary knob is gone, as is the digital instrument cluster. Of their place: BMW’s largest-ever touchscreen, measuring 17.9 inches and angled 17.5 levels towards the driving force. With a decision of three,340 x 1,440 pixels, the graphics ought to be exceptionally crisp.

That central display screen additionally manages one other show, or reasonably, a projection. Panoramic Imaginative and prescient spans the decrease windshield from A-pillar to A-pillar on a 43.3-inch (110-cm) nano-coated black-printed floor. It options three mounted tiles within the driver’s view, changing the instrument cluster, plus six configurable widgets to the fitting. Drivers drag and drop content material from the central show to Panoramic Imaginative and prescient.

For these wanting much more, a 3D head-up show is accessible as an choice. Positioned above the left-side Panoramic Imaginative and prescient tiles, it integrates navigation and driver-assistance data in what BMW calls a “neatly coordinated” approach to keep away from visible overload.

The steering wheel adopts a so-called “shy-tech” strategy: buttons illuminate solely when their features can be found or energetic. Organized on a relief-like floor with haptic suggestions, they permit operation with out trying away from the street.

Nonetheless, not the whole lot has migrated to the display screen or steering wheel. Between the seats, acquainted controls stay, together with a quantity knob, a mute button, a gear selector, a parking brake, hazard lights, and heating/defrost buttons. The driving force’s door additionally retains loads of typical switches, proof that BMW hasn’t gone completely “lowered.”

Sixth-Technology eDrive: Lighter, Denser, Extra Environment friendly

Beneath, the iX3 debuts BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive system with improved motors and batteries. The upgrades reduce weight by 10%, vitality losses by 40%, and manufacturing prices by 20%. New spherical battery cells provide 20% higher vitality density than right now’s prismatic cells.

Charging efficiency is a significant spotlight. With 800V tech, the iX3 helps as much as 400 kW at suitable stations. Its 108-kWh usable battery fees from 10% to 80% in simply 21 minutes and provides 217 miles (350 km) in 10 minutes. Talking of which, vary is equally spectacular. BMW estimates 497 miles (800 km) on the WLTP cycle, and round 400 miles (644 km) per EPA. A Chinese language-market long-wheelbase model, arriving subsequent yr, is rated at 559 miles (900 km) on the CLTC cycle. Bidirectional charging is supported too, permitting the iX3 to recharge units (V2L), energy your house (V2H), or feed vitality again into the grid (V2G).

Efficiency and Dimensions: An SUV That Feels Greater Inside

Efficiency comes from one electrically excited synchronous motor on the rear and a brand new asynchronous motor on the entrance. Collectively they produce 463 hp and 645 Nm (475 lb-ft), good for 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.9 seconds and a 130 mph (210 km/h) high velocity.

Dimensionally, the iX3 is barely longer and wider however a bit decrease than earlier than: 4782 mm (188.2 in) lengthy, 1895 mm (74.6 in) extensive, and 1635 mm (64.3 in) tall. Its marginally elongated 2897 mm (114 in) wheelbase supplies more room inside, similar to a combustion SUV from the subsequent phase up.

Practicality stays sturdy. Cargo house is 520 liters (18.3 cu ft), expandable to 1,750 liters (61.8 cu ft) with the rear seats folded. A entrance trunk, BMW’s first for the reason that quirky i3, provides one other 58 liters (2 cu ft). Roof racks and a tow hitch can be found, with towing capability rated at 2,000 kg (4,410 lbs).

Choices, Trims, and Customization

Choices are plentiful, from M Sport Packages and actual leather-based upholstery to a panoramic roof you may mix with a sunblind. Heated and powered seats, two-zone automated local weather management, wi-fi charging, and an alarm come commonplace. At launch, colour decisions will embrace one stable paint and 5 metallics, comparable to Ocean Wave Blue and a brand new Polarized Gray, with three extra metallics coming in spring.

Following its public debut subsequent week on the IAA Mobility Present in Munich, the second-generation BMW iX3 enters manufacturing in November on the new Debrecen plant in Hungary. The China-specific model will arrive in 2026 from Shenyang.

Coming to America Summer time 2026

BMW expects Europe and the U.S. to be the iX3’s largest markets. Noticed this week testing as a prototype, a brand new i3 sedan in-built Munich will be part of the lineup subsequent yr. However the Neue Klasse gained’t be restricted to EVs. The electronics and software program structure can be built-in into each single BMW within the portfolio, be it gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, or electrical.

BMW iX3 Exterior Design

BMW iX3 Studio Photographs

BMW iX3 Inside Design

BMW iX3 Design Sketches

BMW iX3 Technical Photos

FAQ: 2026 BMW iX3