First look: BMW's Neue Klasse iX3 signals new era for the brand

BMW’s all new Neue Klasse iX3 revealed at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich, is the first of 40 new or updated models set to be released by 2027.

“You will remember that back in 2021, I promised we would lead BMW into a new era with the Neue Klasse. Today we stand here and we deliver on that promise,” said Oliver Zipse, the Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, at the global reveal. 

“Early this decade, we recognised an opportunity, a chance to set new benchmarks across all relevant technologies in the car. It was an opportunity that only comes once in a lifetime, a perfect BMW moment.

“The Neue Klasse is much more than just a new vehicle. It marks a completely new model generation, a massive leap that redefines the entire brand. The new BMW iX3 will be followed by more than 40 new or updated models from BMW by 2027, each carrying the Neue Klasse genes regardless of the drivetrain.”

More models

The iX3 will be built at the newly constructed BMW Group plant in Debrecen, Hungary and will be the first variant of the fully electric SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) or as we call them, SUV, to roll off the production line.

Further fully electric variants will follow, including an entry-level model. The market launch of the new BMW iX3 will get underway in Europe in spring 2026 and in South Africa in the third quarter of 2026.

Power and drivetrain

The sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology developed for the Neue Klasse comprises highly efficient electric motors, using new in-house developed high-voltage batteries with cylindrical cells, and 800V technology. 

The drive technology developed for the Neue Klasse reduces energy losses by 40 percent compared to the fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, weight by 10 percent and manufacturing costs by 20 percent.

The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is powered by two electric motors, which together generate outputs of 345kW and 645Nm of torque and it accelerates from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 210 km/h.

The new battery technology provides the iX3 with a range of 679-805 kilometers (electric power consumption, combined: 17.9 – 15.1 kWh/100 km). 

BMW’s eDrive technology allows a maximum charging rate of 400kW and at an 800V direct current (DC) rapid charging station will add up to 372 kilometres of range in ten minutes and can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 21 minutes. 

Thanks to the battery management tech with integrated switching matrix developed by BMW, the iX3 can also be charged from 400V DC stations while it can also top up on alternating current (AC) at 11kW as standard or 22kW as an option.

Currently, the most powerful charger in South Africa has a theoretical output of 480kW at Wolmaransstad on the N12.

The average DC Charger in South Africa ranges between 50kW and 150kW with a few 200kW plugs spread across the country.

The Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function turns the iX3 into a mobile powerbank, which can supply electric devices with power while on the move and can be used as a storage unit for solar energy generated by home-fitted solar systems.

Panoramic Vision

Making its debut is the BMW Panoramic Vision that projects information across the full width of the windscreen, from A-pillar to A-pillar. The content in the centre and on the front passenger side can be adapted to personal tastes and requirements while key driving information appears in the driver’s field of vision.

Underpinning the Panoramic iDrive is the newly developed BMW Operating System X, which offers extensive scope for personalisation.

Extensive use of the Neue Klasse designs introduced in the 1960s makes the BMW iX3 one of the more attractive SUVs on the road.

From the horse’s mouth

But instead of me telling you about the new design, let's hear what chief designer of the BMW Group, Adrian van Hooydonk, said at the global reveal.

He called it “a very big moment” for the brand. 

“With the Neue Klasse, we are taking big steps in technology, and these steps can only become meaningful hand in hand with big steps in design.”

He says the new iX3 has been shaped to deliver more range through an exceptionally clean form and outstanding aerodynamics. “We have typical solid BMW SAV proportions with a lot of presence and emphasis on all four wheels.

“The surfaces are very clean, with only a few precise lines. At the front end we have a new interpretation of the BMW face, in which we replace chrome with light. Vertically oriented kidney grills match the more upright stance, while the new light signature makes the iX3 very recognisable by day and by night.”

The rear design carries through this philosophy, with strong shoulders and another distinctive light graphic that emphasises the width of the car.

Inside, van Hooydonk stressed, the focus remained on the driver.

“The driving experience is and will remain our focus, putting the driver at ease and in control. 

“The key element to this is our all-new BMW Panoramic Vision Display, which projects in the bottom of the windscreen. Unlike a traditional head-up display, this is visible for all passengers and allows you to quickly check the information you need while keeping your hands on the wheel and your focus on the road.

“Together with a free-cut central display and iconic steering wheel, the panoramic system forms the foundation of BMW’s new iDrive experience,” he said.

“This new user experience already starts when you approach the car and continues as you get in and set it up to your personal preferences. With My Modes you can select a perfectly curated driving experience - from screen content and colours to light, sound and even driving characteristics.”

“Starting with the BMW iX3, we are introducing a new form language that will lead to a new look and feel for the entire brand. Our designs will be very clean, very strong in character, but above all, more BMW than ever before.”

In addition to the iX3, BMW says they have already done extensive planning and finalisation of the new all-electric BMW i3 set to be released early next year which Zipse says will be a sporty sedan at the very core of the brand.