2026 BMW iX3 Brings in a Neue Era

Munich, Germany – Over the past couple of years BMW has been showing us the future.

The brand has introduced five interpretations of the upcoming Neue Klasse design language. Neue Klasse translates to new class in English and is not just a signifier of an entirely new direction for BMW, but also a nod to the past. The first cars that really put BMW on the map and gave the brand an identity in the 1960s were called Neue Klasse. With the new Neue Klasse, the brand is looking to repeat history.

The first production model to hit the road with this new direction is the 2026 BMW iX3. Although the vehicle we saw in Germany is a concept, it’s very close to how the production vehicle will be when it arrives later this year. Changing a brand’s look and style can be a daunting task. The goal with the iX3 is to make something all-new but still be recognizable as a BMW. Although it looks a bit anonymous in terms of silhouette, it’s the details that make it stand out.

The small SUV features a blocky, aerodynamic shape that achieves an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of just 0.24. The vertical kidney been grille is sunken into front bumper, exaggerating its forward tilt like the grilles featured on 1960s BMWs. BMW states that exterior lighting is the new chrome, which is the second time we’ve heard this from a manufacturer in recent time. It’s used to highlight the new grille and of course illuminate the badges.

On the side are pop-out door handles that also feature illumination. The glass surfaces are flush to the body, with pronounced body-colored wheel arches below. The 2026 BMW iX3 50 xDrive will be fitted with 20-inch light-alloy wheels. Exclusive selection of new light-alloy wheels (20-, 21- and 22-inches) will be available as an option, including BMW M and BMW Individual light-alloy wheels.

At the back, the rear taillights extend far into the centre of the rear end, as they represent a horizontal interpretation of the familiar BMW L shape. At launch, one solid paint finish and five metallic paint finishes will be available, including the new Polarized Grey metallic and Ocean Wave Blue metallic variants. By the spring of 2026, three more metallic options will be added.

The iX3 Concept measures in at 188.3-inches (4,782 mm) in length, 74.6-inches (1,895 mm) wide, and a height of 64.4-inches (1,635 mm). Compared to the current X3, that’s around 1 inch difference all around, with the iX3 a bit longer, narrower, and lower to the ground.

Inside, due to the more curved roof design, cargo capacity is just under half of what the X3 can carry, totalling 18.4 cu ft (520 L). Fold the rear seats down though, and the gap shrinks as the iX3 can carry up to 61.8 cu ft (1,750 L). Plus, the all-electric SUV has an extra 2.0 cu ft (58 L) storage nook under the hood.

Inside the iX3 will have what BMW refers to as four interior design worlds to choose from. These consist of Essential with seat surfaces trimmed in Econeer, Contemporary with Veganza seat surfaces in three colour variants, the M Sport package with black seat surfaces in Veganza/M Performtex, and the BMW Individual Merino leather in Black.

The overall design is unsurprisingly modern, with a simpler, conservative layout. The steering wheel is a highlight, as it's full of detail, with the vertical spokes containing an intricate design, while the side spokes are not actually connected. That multifunction steering wheel serves as the primary physical control point for the interior. The buttons are only illuminated if a function is available or active and feedback of course is haptic. There are some physical buttons present for features like window defrost and audio volume.

There are My Modes that customize light, sound, and the screen displays depending on mood. Lightening elements are everywhere, including backlighting through the actual dashboard and not a projection onto the surface like found in some Mini models.

On a technology front, there is dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, seat heating, power seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and entertainment options like YouTube streaming, Disney+, and more. Depending on trim level, M Sport seats or multifunction seats are available, as well as a sports steering wheel or M Sport.

The first model that will arrive is the BMW iX3 50 xDrive powered by one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear axle. Together, the motors will generate a total of 470 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. BMW reckons that will be good enough for a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time of 4.9 seconds, with top speed limited to 210 km/h (130 mph). The motors found in the iX3 are completely new units built from the ground up. These aren’t plug-and-play parts shelf specials.

It's all part of the brand’s new sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology. It’s an 800V architecture and the two electric motors have a friction loss down 40% compared to the ones in the gen 5. In the BMW iX3 50 xDrive, the usable energy for the battery pack is 108 kWh. The cells are all packed together, with no modules nor excess wires and connectors. The energy density per battery cell is 20 per cent higher than with fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. BMW claims the new drive system has energy losses reduced by 40 per cent, weight reduced by 10 per cent, and manufacturing costs lowered by 20 per cent.

The iX3 50 xDrive should be able to travel up to 800 kilometres on the European cycle, or roughly 400 miles using the EPA test. That’s fairly impressive, as is the vehicle’s ability to charge at speeds up to 400 kW. Granted, finding a charging station capable of those speeds in North America is near impossible, but when maximizing the vehicle’s 400 kW rapid charging potential, BMW states it will regain 350 kilometres (217 miles) of range in just 10 minutes. For at home charging, the SUV includes stage 2 charging at speeds up to 22 kW.

During our visit, BMW went into depth about the four “superbrains” (basically incredibly powerful computers) that control something different with the iX3. These include driving dynamics, automated driving, infotainment, and basic & comfort-enhancing functions.

For driving enthusiasts, the “Heart of Joy” computer control unit is one to note as it’s in charge of agility and stability systems. The Heart of Joy processes information up to ten times faster than conventional control units.

In the pursuit of the driving dynamics the brand is known for, the mechanics of the new SUV have been thought out. It has 255 mm front tires and 275 mm at the rear. The battery pack rests in middle of vehicle and low to the ground. It helps create a 51% front and 49% rear weight distribution.

One of the more interesting driving technologies included on the iX3 is the automatic cruise control system. It allows soft braking, which means it is not deactivated with only a light press of the brake pedal. Instead, it only fully disengages when the driver brakes harder. While on the topic of braking, BMW claims the iX3 will have the smoothest braking performance for any of the brand’s vehicles ever. The secret is an electric motor that’s in charge of most braking duties. BMW estimates 98% of all normal braking procedures will require the electric motor only, no assist from the conventional discs and calipers. Of course, there are conventional brakes ready and able to provide extra bite during harder stops.

Inside is the BMW Panoramic iDrive that’s based on the brand’s Operating System X. It includes a pilar-to-pilar screen measuring 43.3 inches (110 cm) in width and 2-inches (5 cm) in height. It’s not a regular screen, but one that uses 3D projection, and the information appears several inches further away from the driver, as if displayed on the hood. It gives great depth perception that allows drivers to keep their eyes closer to the road.

The most important driving information is projected directly into the driver's line of sight on the left-hand side of the BMW Panoramic Vision, right above the steering wheel. Having sampled it in person, we can confirm it looks great. Like most digital systems, the driver can personalize the content in the central and right-hand areas. The brand claims it will be visible in direct sunlight and with polarized sunglasses.

The panoramic iDrive technology is coming to every future BMW, the brand said, and 40 BMW models will have Neue Klasse technology by 2027. As for the 2026 BMW iX3 50 xDrive, production will begin in late 2025 at the new BMW Group Plant in Debrecen, Hungary. Although the 50 xDrive is first up for our shores, other variants will follow.

Pricing is not yet announced in USA or Canada, but we should get more details on that closer to when it goes on sale the summer of 2026 in North America.

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