BMW has now officially opened the door to a new era by introducing the 2026 BMW iX3, the first production car in the brand based on the ambitious Neue Klasse platform. The iX3 is not only another electric SUV, but a complete redesign of BMW’s design, technology, and engineering: it is arguably on par with the redesign that the company underwent in the 1960s.
Neue Klasse: A Historic Turning Point
The Neue Klasse project has been referred to as the largest investment in the company’s history, and it is described by BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse as marking a “new era” for the brand. The second-generation iX3, known as NA5, has little similarity to the first-generation iX3, which was a CLAR platform. Rather, it has redefined the entire vehicle, including its design and size, its electric motor, and its digital cockpit.
The new iX3 is based on the concept of Vision Neue Klasse, X, which will be demonstrated in 2025 and translate its design language into reality. BMW describes this aesthetic as reduced, characterful, and timeless, with clean surfaces, flush door handles, and fewer creases. Other than being pleasing to the eye, the design also provides quantifiable aerodynamic improvements, reducing the drag coefficient to 0.24 compared to the previous model of 0.29.
Exterior Design: Retro Inspiration Meets Futuristic Details
The 2026 iX3 balances retro references with forward-looking elements. A vertically-focused grille is a nod to the original Neue Klasse sedans of the 1960s, only this time it is not painted chrome, but rather an illuminated outline on the frame. Narrow vertical LED headlights and horizontal lighting lines form a unique signature that is modern and conceptual.
Rear redesigned taillights go to the center, much in keeping with the Vision Neue Klasse X. It has simplified even minor details- BMW has eliminated the i suffix and badges on the fenders spelling M and has adopted a cleaner style. Efficiency is also improved by 20-inch aero wheels, and larger 21- and 22-inch aero wheels are found under BMW Individual.
A Digital Revolution Inside
Stepping inside the iX3 demonstrates the most radical interior redesign the company has undertaken yet. The outdated rotary iDrive controller and instrument cluster have been phased out, and a new 17.9-inch central touchscreen, angled towards the driver, has taken their place. The display with ultra-high graphics is the anchor in the futuristic perception of the cabin.
A new Panoramic Vision presentation shows data over the lower windshield in place of the gauge cluster. This 43-inch wide interface consists of driver-oriented tiles and customizable widgets, where content can be dragged off the main screen. And to go further, a 3D head-up display is available as an option, combining navigation and driver-assistance information.
The steering wheel also implements the so-called shy-tech controls, which are buttons that remain dark unless they are in use, to give a feel without being overloaded with graphics. Nevertheless, BMW has not yet become completely digital, as important functions such as volume, hazard lights, and climate controls are still represented by physical buttons.
Sixth-Generation eDrive: More Power, More Range
The iX3 also unveils an improved sixth generation of the eDrive system, with lighter and more efficient motors underneath the skin, and new round battery cells with 20% more energy density. The innovations reduced the weight of the drive train by 10% and energy loss by 40%.
The usable battery has a capacity of 108 kWh and may be charged at 800 V with up to 400 kW of power, allowing the battery to charge 10 to 80 percent in only 21 minutes. The range can be increased by 217 miles (350 km) in as little as 10 minutes. Formally, BMW claims the range of up to 497 miles (800 km) WLTP or approximately 400 miles EPA, making the range of the iX3 one of the longest electric vehicles in the market.
It also performs well: a two-motor system generates 463 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, capable of accelerating to 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds. The maximum speed is electronically controlled to 130 mph (210 km/h).
Practicality and Dimensions
The 2026 iX3 is slightly lower than previously and is 4782 mm long and 1895 mm wide. Its wheelbase increases to 2897 mm, which translates to increased interior space-comparable to combustion SUVs in the following segment.
The cargo capacity is rated 520 liters and can be increased to 1,750 liters when the seats are folded. Another 58 liters are added to the front trunk, and the towing capacity is 2,000 kg.
Options, Production, and U.S. Launch
At launch, the iX3 will be sold as the 50 xDrive model, and single-motor, M Performance, and full M variants will be added afterwards. They are available in M Sport Packages, leather upholstery, and new colours Ocean Wave Blue and Polarized grey.
Production starts in November 2025 at a new Debrecen plant of BMW in Hungary, and a long-wheelbase version with China-specific features will be introduced in 2026. The introduction in the U.S. will take place in summer 2026, and Europe and North America will become the largest markets for the SUV.
