BMW has unveiled its latest EV model with an all-new EV platform it calls Neue Klasse. It will first appear in the new iX3 SUV, bringing with it over 800 km of WLTP range and 400 kW fast charging speeds.
On the company’s X page, BMW shared multiple pictures of its most advanced electric model, the new iX3 50 xDrive, with the caption: “The new BMW iX3 is the start of a new era. A real road stunner with a new kind of driving experience, built around you.”
The new model features BMW’s new styling and design, which has not made its way to any previous models from the German luxury car giant.
From the outside, the new iX3 carries over the grille that many expect from BMW models. This time, though, it adds flush door handles, sleek front and rear ends and an overall well-proportioned mid-size SUV.
On the inside, things get more interesting with the new drive-focused cockpit with an angular centre screen, a smaller, more oval-like steering wheel, ambient lighting and an end-to-end screen.
That’s what BMW calls its new Panoramic iDrive display and control system, which combines four central control elements for a better driving experience.
This system can be controlled by either touch or voice, and the right information appears when needed by the driver to ensure the driver can pay attention to the road and keep their hands on the wheels.
Moving onto the new EV architecture, which will lower energy consumption to as low as 15.1 kWh/100 km and deliver a range of up to 805 km from the 108 kWh battery pack.
This battery pack uses BMW’s latest technology, including cylindrical battery cells with higher energy density compared to the battery packs found in the company’s previous models.
The same pack can be charged at speeds of up to 400 kW, almost twice that of models like the BMW i5, which is available in Australia with a maximum charging speed of up to 205 kW.
Charging the new iX3 will take 21 minutes if charged from 10-80% at the right charger, and can also take more than 350 km of charge in just 10 minutes.
That’s thanks to the new sixth-generation 800 V architecture found on this car, a step up from previous-generation EVs from the brand.
AC charging on the new car is limited to 11 kW, which is pretty standard across many EV models with larger battery packs.
Energy from this battery pack is fed into a dual-motor powertrain which features 345 kW of power and 645 Nm of torque. This can help the iX3 accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.
This setup also helps the iX3 50 xDrive reach speeds of up to 210 km/h.
Coming in at 4.78 metres in length, the new iX3 will have a kerb weight of 2,360 kg and has over 1,750 litres of boot space with the rear seats down.
There is also an additional 58 litres of additional space under the false floor in the boot to store charging cables or other items.
The new iX3 will be manufactured in Europe at BMW Group’s Debrecen plant in Hungary, with expected Australian-bound production to begin in early 2026.
First local customer deliveries are expected to begin in mid-2026. We look forward to seeing the new model on local roads next year.
Given the success BMW has had with its previous electric models, we have no doubt that the new iX3 and subsequent Neue Klasse EV models will follow a similar trajectory as more Australian drivers look to get behind the wheel of an EV as their next new car.
New BMW iX3 video
Riz is the founder of carloop based in Melbourne, specialising in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. He is a mechanical engineer who spent the first 7 years of his career building transport infrastructure before starting carloop. He has a passion for cars, particularly EVs and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.
