BMW has revealed the new iX3, a car that represents the beginning of a bold new era of design, technology, drivability and production methods as the first of its Neue Klasse models.
Making its world debut at the Munich motor show, the new electric SUV – previewed by the Neue Klasse X concept in 2023 – is the result of a 20 billion euros investment and four years of development. It is seen by the firm as one of its most important model launches to date. The new iX3 arrives just a few days before the Mercedes-Benz GLC EV, a key rival in the hottest new car segment as both manufacturers attempt to increase EV sales.
The arrival of the iX3 marks a key milestone in BMW’s electric ambitions. The SUV ushers in an entirely new design that is described as “more BMW than ever”. It will directly influence the next 40 models from the brand. BMW Group design boss Adrian van Hooydonk told Autocar: “The task was to create a design language that is brand new and attractive to both people that don’t know us and to people that do know us – but also one that can be traced back to our history, to the ’70s, even to the ’60s. That’s deliberate.”
Notably, the front of the new iX3 dispenses with the controversially large kidney grille of the previous era and replaces it with a new design that references Neue Klasse models from the ’60s and ’70s. The kidneys are also illuminated, rather than picked out in chrome, in an environmentally motivated move.
The design feature of narrow kidney grilles and headlights contained “as one graphical unit” is a nod to the BMW 2002 ‘Sharknose’, said Van Hooydonk. Each Neue Klasse model will get its own “unique” light signature, he added, “so in the future, when we come with more Neue Klasse cars, each of them will be instantly recognisable”. For example, said van Hooydonk, the iX3 has a vertically oriented grille but the incoming i3’s will be horizontal.
The new SUV measures 4782mm in length, 1895mm in width and 1635mm in height, making it similar in size to the incoming electric Porsche Macan and Audi Q6 E-tron. The wheel arches have been pushed as far outwards as possible to accommodate 23in aero optimised alloys.
The new iX3 is the first model to use the BMW Group’s new Gen6 platform, a clean-sheet architecture that is said to be a “quantum leap forward” in terms of technology compared with today’s offerings. The platform’s 800V electric architecture can handle a charging speed of up to 400kW – which, in theory, means the ability to add 350km (217 miles) of range in 10 minutes, although BMW admits this rate can be held for only around two to three minutes.
It is also equipped with bidirectional charging – a first for BMW. At its launch, the iX3 will be offered exclusively in 50 xDrive form, which draws electricity from a new 108kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery. This uses cylindrical cells that are 20% denser and easier to package than modules (made up of square cells) found in today’s Gen5 packs. Range increases by 30%, efficiency by 20% and charging speeds by 30%.
The new cells also reduce production costs by up to 50%. As a result, the 50 xDrive offers a WLTP range of 805km (500 miles), which makes it one of the longest-range EV on sale, surpassing Mercedes’ recently released CLA. That’s despite power being deployed by two motors rather than one – traditionally not the most efficient set-up.
Range is expected to increase further when a more efficient, single-motor, rear-drive entry-level variant arrives next year. The impressive range figure is also aided by the iX3’s design. The sleek bodywork helps to achieve a drag coefficient of 0.24, which, BMW claims, makes it the most aerodynamic mid-size SUV on sale. The iX3 also has bespoke tyres that are claimed to reduce rolling resistance by 12%, adding 40km (25 miles) of range.
As well as efficient, the 50 xDrive is also quick. Its two excited synchronous motors produce a combined 350kW (470hp) and 650Nm (479lb ft), which enables the SUV to cover 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in a claimed 4.9sec. Top speed is governed at 210km/h (130mph).
BMW has focused on giving the iX3 BMW-typical handling characteristics. Key to this is the new ‘Heart of Joy’ digitised nervous system, which controls everything about the driving experience. Weight distribution is 49% front, 51% rear. “It is built for driving. It’s not a computer on wheels,” said van Hooydonk. In another first for BMW, the iX3 uses pack-to-open-body construction, in which the packs are bolted directly to the chassis. This is said to increase structural integrity, optimises car integration, saves money on parts and reduces weight.
The new construction method also increases interior space. In an unusual move, BMW has bolted the front seats of the iX3 directly to the battery pack. This also keeps the car’s height as low as possible to aid aerodynamics.
The exterior’s minimalist design theme continues in the cabin. Previewed earlier this year, it is centred around a 17.9in infotainment screen that houses the controls for most of the car’s functions and runs BMW’s latest iDrive software. Another first is the new ‘panoramic iDrive’ display. This 43.3in projection runs across the length of the dashboard just under the driver’s eyeline and displays key details such as vehicle speed and state of charge.
“Some of the biggest challenges were to integrate the panoramic vision display and to set it up just right,” said van Hooydonk. In another change, the new steering wheel adopts haptic controls. It has also been shaped specifically for hands to sit at the 10 and two o’clock positions.
Boot space is 520 litres with the seats up and 1750 litres with them folded down. There is also a 78-litre storage space under the bonnet. The iX3 will be produced at BMW’s Debrecen plant in Hungary.
Pricing for the 50 xDrive will start at £58,755 (67,000 euros/$75,000). First deliveries will begin early next year.
