The latest BMW iX3 marks a significant advancement over its predecessor, going far beyond what’s typically expected from a standard model update. The improvements in both design and technology are so substantial, it feels as though an entire generation of development has been skipped. For BMW Group, this launch also signals a pivotal moment in its ongoing shift toward electrification, digital innovation, and sustainability. As the first model of the Neue Klasse to hit the road, the new iX3 introduces cutting-edge design and technology that will influence the future of the brand’s entire vehicle lineup. By 2027, BMW plans to integrate Neue Klasse technologies into 40 upcoming models and model revisions.
The upright front profile and cleanly defined surfaces give the new BMW iX3 a commanding presence on the road. At the forefront are the signature BMW kidney grilles and dual headlights—iconic elements of the brand’s design language. The vertically oriented kidney grille takes inspiration from the classic Neue Klasse models of the 1960s. Instead of chrome accents, a new lighting signature now conveys a refined sense of sophistication and premium quality. From the side, expansive surfaces intersected by a few sharp lines create a bold, expressive silhouette. Sleek glass panels and integrated door handles enhance the modern, streamlined look. Reinforcing the SAV's solid stance, the body-colored wheel arches feature subtly angular contours—true to BMW X model tradition. At the rear, the design remains muscular and sporty, with tail lights that stretch toward the vehicle’s center, reimagining the classic BMW “L” shape in a horizontal layout.
The sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology significantly enhances the charging capabilities of the new BMW iX3. With a peak charging power of 400 kW, the vehicle can gain up to 372 kilometres (231 miles)[1] of range in just 10 minutes when connected to an 800V DC fast-charging station. The high-voltage battery also supports rapid recharging from 10% to 80% in only 21 minutes. A unique battery management system, developed entirely in-house by BMW, includes an integrated switching matrix that enables compatibility with 400V DC charging stations as well. Improvements to battery pre-conditioning contribute to even faster charging performance. Standard AC charging is available at 11 kW, with an optional upgrade to 22 kW[2] for added convenience.
The new BMW iX3 also supports a wide range of bidirectional charging functions[3], allowing it to act as a versatile energy source. The Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature lets users power external electrical devices directly from the vehicle, effectively turning it into a mobile power supply. With Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) functionality, the car can store energy—such as solar power generated by a home PV system—for domestic use. Through the Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) application, owners can even feed stored energy back into the grid and potentially earn financial returns.
One of the four high-performance computing units—referred to as "superbrains"—in the Neue Klasse electronic architecture, the Heart of Joy is dedicated to managing the drivetrain and vehicle dynamics. This advanced control unit oversees functions such as power delivery, braking, energy recuperation, and steering, operating up to ten times faster than traditional systems. It fully leverages the capabilities of electric mobility, ensuring immediate power response, seamless power transfer, precise handling, stability, and high efficiency.
Working in tandem with BMW’s in-house developed Dynamic Performance Control software, the Heart of Joy calculates all dynamic parameters with exceptional speed and accuracy. BMW’s extensive heritage in driving dynamics is evident here, delivering a distinctively smooth and responsive driving experience. Whether accelerating, braking, or steering, every input is handled with refined precision. The iX3 also benefits from remarkable traction and a newly developed Soft Stop feature, providing the most fluid and controlled stopping experience ever achieved in a BMW. The seamless coordination of powertrain, brakes, and energy recuperation also enhances overall efficiency—98% of daily braking events are managed through regenerative braking alone, without using the friction brakes.
Another of the vehicle’s superbrains—the one dedicated to automated driving—controls all driving assistance and parking systems. This unit offers 20 times the processing power of conventional controllers, marking a major leap forward in automation capabilities within the Neue Klasse lineup.
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