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BMW iX3

The BMW iX3 (NA5) is a battery electric compact luxury crossover SUV manufactured by BMW, succeeding the X3-based G08. Unlike its predecessor, it is built on the Neue Klasse platform, no longer sharing its platform with its counterpart (G45). A long-wheelbase version, codenamed NA6, is slated to release in the Chinese market in 2026.[3] The car is the first to use this new design language of BMW and was first shown in 2024 at the Paris Auto Show.[4]

Overview

BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept

The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept was first announced by BMW in March 2024, previewing the design of the upcoming iX3.[5]

Launch

The second-generation iX3 made its production debut at the 2025 Munich Motor Show,[6] as the first BMW under the Neue Klasse generation. Only one powertrain version was launched - the iX3 50 xDrive. BMW is expected to announce a rear-wheel drive iX3 40 variant.[7]

Specifications

Battery and charging

The iX3 is built on an 800-volt architecture. The iX3 50 xDrive features a 108 kWh (usable) NMC lithium-ion battery, offering up to 400 mi of EPA range,[6] 500 mi of WLTP range and an energy efficiency of up to 4.1 miles/kWh.[7] It is capable of DC fast charging up to 400 kW, going from 10% to 80% in 21 minutes and adding 231 mi of range in 10 minutes.[8] It also has V2H, V2G, and V2L bidirectional charging functions.

Powertrain

The iX3 50 xDrive has a dual-motor all-wheel drive layout producing 463 hp and 473 lbft of torque, completing 0–100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. Part of the Neue Klasse platform are four digital "superbrains", where one dubbed the "Heart of Joy" is responsible for driving dynamics.[9] The Heart of Joy controls every component of the car related to driving dynamics with no delegation to supplier-authored software running on supplier-sourced silicons. It has a latency of 1 millisecond, cut down from the typical 10-50 milliseconds. BMW claims that the Heart of Joy was programmed so that 99% of braking can be handled via regenerative braking, and that it can micromanage the braking of each wheel to deliver a limousine stop.[10]

Equipment and technology

The BMW iX3 is the first vehicle in BMW's lineup to feature the Panoramic iDrive system, running on iDrive X. It features a "Panoramic Vision display" - a 43.3-inch side-to-side darkened area recessed within the hood where information is projected on. Users can customize the widgets and information that are featured in the panoramic vision display, such as the vehicle speed and the state of charge. This can also be supplemented by an optional 3D heads-up display that is projected above the panoramic display. A new 17.9-inch central display remains in the center of the dashboard, with a new shape slanted towards the driver.[11]

In September 2025, BMW jointly developed an automated driving system with Qualcomm. The system will debut on the BMW iX3.[12]

References

  1. 2026 BMW iX3 NA5 debuts: production Neue Klasse gets concept car looks, 805 km range, 372 km in 10min - paultan.org Paul Tan's Automotive News, 2025-09-05, retrieved 2025-09-05^
  2. Thanos Pappas. The iX3 Is BMW's Neue Klasse Future Now With A Price That Rattles Rivals Carscoops, September 5, 2025^
  3. Steven Paul. BMW NA6 iX3 Long-Wheelbase SUV Adds Space and Luxury for China in 2026 BMW BLOG, 2025-08-22, retrieved 2025-09-06^
  4. Paris Motor Show: BMW's Neue Klasse Vision Vehicles Feature Minimalist Design and Next-Gen iDrive Motor Illustrated, 2024-10-14, retrieved 2026-01-25^
  5. The Vision Neue Klasse X Shows BMW's Dream Future Is Just More SUVs Motor1.com^
  6. The New BMW iX3 Is Here—And It's the Most Important BMW In Decades Motor1.com^
  7. New BMW iX3 to shake the EV world with huge 500-mile range Auto Express, retrieved 2025-09-06^
  8. Adrian Padeanu. 2026 BMW iX3 Debuts: First Neue Klasse SUV With 497-Mile Range and 400 kW Charging BMW BLOG, 2025-09-05, retrieved 2025-09-06^
  9. Frank Markus. We Drive BMW's Neue Klasse! Do 4 Brains + Heart of Joy = Ultimate Driving? MotorTrend, 2025-06-11, retrieved 2026-01-25^
  10. Frank Markus. We Drive BMW's Neue Klasse! Do 4 Brains + Heart of Joy = Ultimate Driving? MotorTrend, 2025-06-11, retrieved 2025-09-06^
  11. 2026 BMW iX3: What We Know So Far Car and Driver, 2024-03-13, retrieved 2025-09-06^
  12. Arjun Kharpal. Qualcomm unveils driverless tech with BMW, sees 'domino effect' of customers CNBC, 2025-09-10, retrieved 2025-12-09^