After years of previews and concepts, BMW has entered an all-new battery electric era with the iX3 SUV underpinned by the Neue Klasse technology set.
The second generation iX3 abandons platform sharing with the ICE X3 and charts its own course with a new generation powertrain, a mind-boggling array of digital tech, a new design direction that will inevitably inspire debate and much reduced cradle-to-grave environmental impact, which we’ve already covered here.
The first of six stand alone Neue Klasse – or New Class – EVs expected to start production over the next two years, the iX3 will be followed by an electric equivalent of the iconic 3 series, including a pulsating quad motor i3M. But Neue Klasse tech will also wash over into BMW ICE models.
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The importance of Neue Klasse is emphasised by the name, which is hallowed within BMW as it was first applied to the 1500 in 1961. With this car the company began its climb to global success.
With China’s huge automotive offensive posing an existential threat to all Western legacy brands, the second iteration of Neue Klasse is BMW’s line in the sand.
It has thrown huge resource, its best and brightest talent and billions of dollars into a project that will define its future.
“The Neue Klasse is our biggest future-focused project and marks a huge leap forward in terms of technologies, driving experience and design, ” said Oliver Zipse , Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG .
“Practically everything about it is new, yet it is also more BMW than ever. Our whole product range will benefit from the innovations brought by the Neue Klasse – which-ever drive system technology is employed.
“What started as a bold vision has now become reality: The BMW iX3 is the first Neue Klasse model to go into series production. We are not only bringing the next generation of one of our most successful fully electric vehicles on to the road, we are launching a new era for BMW.”
It says much about the urgency of the global automotive situation that Mercedes-Benz is launching its equally important electric GLC SUV- a direct iX3 rival – at next week’s Munich motor show and the third German luxury brand, Audi, is previewing a new generation electric sports car called Concept C that symbolises a complete overhaul for the company.
Ahead of its public debut in Munich, BMW has centred the media preview of Neue Klasse on the flagship model of the iX3 line-up, the dual motor all-wheel drive 50 xDrive.
It has revealed nothing about the wider iX3 range or its pricing, but presumably cheaper, single motor models will follow.
The iX3 will soon begin production in a new low emission BMW plant in Hungary with deliveries to begin in Australia mid-2026.
Let’s dive in:
What’ll she do?
The key numbers are an impressive upgrade from the old iX3, which was rear-wheel drive only.
The combined e-motor outputs are 345kW/645Nm, which provides a 4.9 seconds 0-100km/h time and a 210km/h top speed.
The old iX3 produced 210kW/400Nm, claimed a 6.8 seconds 0-100km/h time and a 180km/h top speed.
The new sixth generation BMW eDrive high-voltage battery’s capacity is a usable 108kWh and the claimed maximum WLTP range is a huge 805km.
The old iX3 had an 80kWh (gross) battery pack and a claimed WLTP range maxing out at 462km.
Using an 800V architecture, the iX3 can recharge at up to 400kW DC, but it can also charge at slower 400V stations. The maximum AC charging rate is 11kW.
Charging at its fastest rate that equates to 10-80 per cent refill in 21 minutes and 350km of range in 21 minutes.
Limited to a 400V electric architecture, the old iX3 recharged at a maximum 150kW DC and 11kW AC.
BMW Australia has also confirmed the iX3 will come to Australia with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability that can discharge at up to 3.7kW.
The first-gen iX3 did not have V2L capability.
BMW claims an overall 20 per cent improvement in efficiency for the new iX3.
The Design
Neue Klasse underpinnings have helped drive the creation of BMW’s new design language that debuts with the five-door five-seat iX3 and will eventually spread across the entire range.
The BMW kidneys are retained in a distinctive and inevitably controversal vertical format that references the original Neue Klasse, but will also draw comparisons to the beaver teeth of the early 2020s.
Instead of chrome, light is used as highlight trim. The face is sternly upright and sets the template for future X models.
There is a new interpretation of the BMW headlight signature with vertically arranged LED units.
The body has few character lines, a compact glasshouse, protruding wheel arches, a clear refernce to the iX EV in its rear shoulders and flush doorhandles and glass surfaces.
Compared to the first generation iX3, the new model is larger all key dimensions bar height. It is 4782mm long (+48mm), 1895mm wide (+4mm), 1635mm high (-33mm) and has a 2897mm wheelbase (+33mm).
Accessed by a power tailgate, boot capacity ranges from 520 litres to 1750 litres. A frunk adds 58 litres. The old iX3 claimed 510L/1560L and did not have a frunk.
The aero Cd is 0.24, which is pretty decent for a two-box SUV.
In Australia the iX3 50d will come with 20-inch alloy wheels and optional 20-, 21- and 22-inch choices, including BMW M and BMW individual choices.
There will be nine paint choices including new Polarised Grey metallic and Ocean Wave Blue metallic
All-new powertrain
Key new powertrain tech includes cylindrical battery cells that have a 20 per cent higher energy density and 30 per cent higher charging speed than their fifth generation prismatic predecessor.
The cylindrical cells are integrated directly into the battery, which is then integrated into the vehicle architecture as a structural component. BMW says all this has energy density, cost and weight saving advantages.
A new asynchronous motor sits on the front axle and an upgraded electrically excited synchronous motor on the rear axle.
Overall, BMW claims the new electric drive system in Neue Klasse iX3 reduces energy losses by 40 per cent, weight by 10 per cent and manufacturing costs by 10 per cent.
The electron age
The Neue Klasse iX3 embraces electronics and software like no BMW before it. Four ‘superbrains’ provide 20 times more processing power and control driving dynamics, automated driving, infotainment and basic and comfort-enhancing functions.
Somewhat cringingly, BMW calls the brain that looks after driving dynamics the ‘Heart of Joy’. It corrals everything from cornering to energy recuperation.
BMW isn’t exactly talking down Heart of Joy’s capabilities:
“Every movement of the accelerator, brake pedal and steering is executed directly and with assurance and precision. Supreme traction, efficient recuperation and the smoothest stopping process in the history of BMW are among its other attributes,” press briefing material stated.
Then there’s the ‘superbrain of automated driving’ (yep, that’s what they call it) which has 20 per cent higher processing speed than previous systems.
BMW says it employs artificial intelligence (AI) to more precisely carry out driver requirements such as adaptive cruise control.
It introduces claimed world-first collaborative braking, which essentially means active suspension and regenerative braking working in co-operation with the brake system. BMW says 98 oer cent of braking is carried out via recuperation without the need for friction brakes.
Inside the cabin
The most obvious impact of all of this will be in the cabin where BMW’s new Operating System X allows the introduction of panoramic iDrive..
This includes BMW Panoramic Vision that projects information 110cm from A-pillar to A-pillar on a nano-coated black printed surface in the lower section of the windscreen.
The most important driving information is projected directly into the driver’s line of sight on the right-hand side of the BMW Panoramic Vision above the steering wheel.
This replaces the traditional instrument cluster, which is no more.
Other key infotainment features include a 3D effect head-up display, a 17.9-inch centre display angled 17.5 degrees toward the driver and a multi-function steering wheel that only illuminates buttons when they are available or active.
Speaking of buttons and the like, they’re pretty scarce now too. BMW has axed the traditional gear shifter and iDrive dial and gone for a combination of analogue and digital controls featuring switches and buttons, touch and voice command.
There are haptic (simulated) controls for the windscreen wipers, turn signal indicators, exterior mirrors, volume control, gear selector and defrost function. Automatic climate control is operated by touch via the Central Display, and audio volume is controlled using rollers.
A ‘QuickSelect’ shortcut function is also employed to avoid drilling into submenus.
Operating System X will also offer scope for personalisation, intelligent driver assistance, a wide variety of digital functions, extensive connectivity via the My BMW App and future-proofing thanks to over the air software updates.
BMW says iX3’s functionality makes its Digital Key Plus technology the recommended form of vehicle access. Smartphones and smartwatches from all leading manufacturers can be set up as the vehicle key.
BMW’s also upgraded the ‘intelligent personal assistant’ with two new voices and come up with a whole new generation of artificial sounds and noises it calls Hyperson X. Hopefully there’s an off button for those of us who appreciate EV silence!
We’ve drilled into more detail on the Neue Klasse’s interior design and controls here.
Exploiting its bespoke Neue Kalsse EV design, BMW says iX3 interior passenger space is roughly equivalent to the current X5 SUV.
What will the iX3 come with?
While we’re months away from detailed specification and pricing, equipment BMW says the iX3 50 xDrive will come with:
Automatic cruise control, Speed Limit Info, Front Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warningwith new safety features including lane change warning, road priority warning, exit warning and assisted view.
Automated parking with intuitive operation and optimised parking space recognition and manoeuvre planning.
A large panoramic sunroof with climate comfort glazing. An additional sun blind will be an accessory.
Model-specific M Sport package and M Sport package Pro are available from the launch of the BMW iX3 50 xDrive.
Three interior design worlds from which to choose: Contemporary with Veganza seat surfaces in three colour variants: M Sport package with black seat surfaces in Veganza/M Performtex and BMW Individual Merino leather in Black.
Two-zone automatic climate control, alarm system, telephony with wireless charging, seat heating and electrically operated seat adjustment are standard.
Music streaming apps such as Spotify, casual gaming with AirConsole and video streaming.
The Zoom App for video calls when the vehicle stationary. Conversations can be continued during a journey without video input.
