BMW iX3 Debuts as First Neue Klasse Series Model

Written By Tristan Gibbons

The BMW Group has unveiled the first production model of the Neue Klasse at IAA Mobility: the next-generation BMW iX3, a fully electric Sports Activity Vehicle that ushers in new benchmarks for design, electrification, driving dynamics, digitalisation and circularity.

“The Neue Klasse is our largest future initiative and a decisive leap in technology, driving experience and design,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “What began as a bold vision is now reality: the BMW iX3 is the first Neue Klasse model to enter series production and launches a new era for BMW.”

Australian Market Timing

Series production for select markets will begin at BMW Group Plant Debrecen (Hungary) later this year. Australian-bound vehicles enter production early 2026, with local deliveries from mid-2026. The launch specification for Australia will be the BMW iX3 50 xDrive, with additional fully electric variants to follow.

Powertrain & Performance (iX3 50 xDrive)

  • Dual-motor AWD (xDrive) with sixth-generation BMW eDrive

  • System output/torque: 345 kW / 645 Nm

  • 0–100 km/h: 4.9 s | Top speed: 210 km/h

  • High-voltage battery: 108 kWh usable, cylindrical cells, 800 V architecture

  • WLTP range: up to 805 km

Charging & Energy

  • Max DC charging: 400 kW (800 V DC)
    – Adds >350 km in ~10 minutes; 10–80% in ~21 minutes

  • Compatible with 400 V DC infrastructure via intelligent switching matrix

  • AC charging up to 11 kW (0–100% ~11 hrs)

  • Planned bidirectional capability (V2L) up to 3.7 kW for Australia (details to be confirmed)

  • Automatic charging flap

Technology Platform

  • Four “superbrain” high-performance computers for: driving dynamics, automated driving, infotainment, and core/comfort systems

  • “Heart of Joy” drivetrain & dynamics controller (with BMW Dynamic Performance Control software):
    – Up to 10× faster processing vs prior controls
    – Integrated management of drive, braking and recuperation; ~98% of daily braking events via recuperation

  • Automated driving stack with 20× higher processing speed vs prior systems; new collaborative steering and world-first collaborative braking; expanded standard ADAS suite including lane change warning, road priority warning, exit warning and assisted view

Design: New BMW Language, Timeless and Reduced

  • Launches the new BMW design language that will roll out across the brand

  • Two-box SAV proportions, strong stance, Cd 0.24

  • Upright front with new BMW X face; vertical kidneys referencing 1960s Neue Klasse, Iconic Glow light elements and dynamic lighting effects

  • Monolithic surfacing, precise lines, slim glasshouse, flush door handles

  • Athletic rear with wide stance; rear lights extend towards centre with horizontal L-signature

Interior: Modern Space, Driver Focus, Exceptional Comfort

  • Wrap-around, horizontal cockpit with “floating” instrument panel and backlit fabric surface

  • Large glass area and panoramic sunroof with climate-comfort glazing

  • BMW HypersonX soundscape for new drive sounds and UI feedback

BMW Panoramic iDrive on Operating System X

  • Balanced mix of physical, touch and voice controls (retained haptics for wipers, indicators, mirrors, volume, gear selector, defrost)

  • BMW Panoramic Vision (A-pillar to A-pillar, 43.3 in / 110 cm effective width) projected to the lower windscreen; BMW 3D Head-Up Display with integrated navigation/automated-driving views

  • 17.9-inch Central Display (3,340 × 1,440) angled 17.5° to driver; QuickSelect widgets; simplified menu logic

  • Upgraded BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with new voices, proactive suggestions and routines

Digital Services & Connectivity

  • BMW ID personalisation (profiles, Panoramic Vision layouts, routines, seat/entry settings)

  • BMW Maps with charge-optimised routing as standard

  • Digital Key Plus (UWB) for major smartphone/watch platforms

  • App ecosystem with music, gaming (AirConsole), video streaming and Zoom (stationary)

  • ConnectedDrive Store + ConnectedDrive Upgrades; BMW Digital Premium optional for extended features and data

  • Over-the-air updates with improved frequency and UX; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard

  • Deeper My BMW App integration, including “Presence Detection” alerts and expanded remote functions

Dimensions, Practicality & Individualisation

  • L/W/H: 4,782 / 1,895 / 1,635 mm | Wheelbase: 2,897 mm

  • Boot: 520–1,750 L | Frunk: 58 L

  • Standard power tailgate, roof-rack compatible

  • Wheels: Standard 20-inch; optional 20/21/22-inch incl. M and BMW Individual (Air Performance designs)

  • Paints (AU start): nine colours incl. Polarised Grey metallic and Ocean Wave Blue metallic

  • Packages: M Sport and M Sport Pro at launch of 50 xDrive

  • Cabins: Contemporary Veganza (3 colours); M Veganza/M Performtex (black); BMW Individual Merino (Black)

  • Standard comfort: two-zone climate, alarm, wireless charging, heated/electric seats

Sixth-Gen BMW eDrive: Efficiency & Cost Gains

  • EESM rear motor (high efficiency, sustained high-rpm power) + ASM front motor (compact, cost-optimised)

  • 800 V inverter with SiC semiconductors

  • vs Gen5: –40% energy losses, –10% weight, –20% manufacturing cost

  • Cylindrical-cell battery: +20% cell energy density, +30% charging speed

  • Energy Master manages high/low-voltage distribution and battery safety/efficiency

  • Cell-to-pack integration; battery as structural element (pack-to-open-body)

Circularity & CO₂ Reduction

  • “Secondary first”: ~1/3 of vehicle from secondary raw materials

  • Supply-chain CO₂: –42% (iX3 50 xDrive) vs predecessor

  • Gen6 cells: –42% product carbon footprint vs Gen5 cells (renewables + secondary materials)

  • Leather-free standard interior; headliner/floor-mat yarn 100% recycled; under-bonnet thermoplastics 30% recycled marine plastic

  • Aluminium content: swivel bearings/hub carriers 80% secondary; wheels 70% secondary

  • Plant Debrecen: fossil-free in normal operation; 100% renewable electricity

  • Vehicle efficiency: +20% vs predecessor (WLTP)

  • TÜV-certified footprint report available from SOP

  • Life-cycle CO₂e: iX3 50 xDrive –34% vs predecessor over 200,000 km
    – Parity with comparable ICE at ~21,500 km on EU grid mix, or ~17,500 km on renewables

Notes

All performance, consumption, range, battery, dimension, weight and material figures are provisional for the BMW iX3 50 xDrive at start of production (Nov 2025). Specifications, equipment and data relate to the German market and may vary by region. Dimensions refer to vehicles in basic configuration; figures may change with wheel/tyre and options. WLTP data determined per prescribed procedures and per Pkw-EnVKV. Further information available at bmw.de.

Tristan Gibbons
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