Second-Gen BMW iX3 Bows In as Brand’s First Neue Klasse Model

The second-gen BMW iX3 has made its global debut in Munich as the first production Neue Klasse EV.

Following a lengthy teaser campaign involving a number of spy shots and previews, BMW has finally taken the wraps off its first Neue Klasse-based EV model, the second-gen BMW iX3. More than just an EV SUV, the new iX3 sets the stage for the Bavarian marque’s future models with its bold design language and super quad-computer system dubbed the “superbrain.”

Future BMW models will use the same design language seen on the new iX3.

From the design standpoint, the new iX3 stays true to its original concept twin unveiled last year, the Neue Klasse X. Whether you like it or not, BMW Group head designer Adrian van Hoodynk said that this design language is supposed to be a very modern interpretation of what BMW has always stood for, and it will feature in future BMW models, be it BEVs or ICEs.

Up front, it seems BMW has reverted back to the smaller kidney grille design for the new iX3, which combines with its twin LED headlight setup to make it look like a modern interpretation of classic BMWs from the 1990s. Completing the front look setup are the sculpted air intakes and gloss black bumper accents.

The similarities to the Neue Klasse X concept continue on the side, where the new iX3 gets a pretty rectangular side profile with straight shoulder lines and square-ish wheel arches. Pop-out door handles replace the flushed units we saw on its combustion twin, while the Hofmeister kink is here to remind you that this is still a BMW car.

Rounding off the exterior design for the new iX3 are slim horizontal LED taillights with intricate signatures, a roof-mounted rear spoiler, and more plastic bumper accents finished in gloss black. For a sportier get-go, buyers can opt for the iX3 with the optional M Sport package, giving them goodies like a restyled body kit, wheel options ranging from 20 to 22 inches, and many more.

In terms of bulk, the new iX3 is not far off from its combustion twin, spanning 4,783 mm long, 1,895 mm wide, and 1,636 mm tall with a 2,898 mm wheelbase. While its overall design looks quite chunky and boxy, BMW claims the new iX3 boasts a relatively low drag coefficient of only 0.24 Cd.

Besides the Neue Klasse platform, the new iX3 also debuts BMW's new Panoramic iDrive setup.

Another focal point for the new iX3 is in its interior, where the EV SUV debuts BMW’s new Panoramic iDrive setup that features a pillar-to-pillar display integrated along the base of the windscreen. This setup works in tandem with the main 17.9-inch central screen and an optional 3D head-up display—all powered by the latest BMW Operating System X (OSX).

Despite this new screen-laden setup, BMW did retain some physical controls for essential functions like wipers, indicators, mirrors, volume, gear selection, and the parking brake, although the climate control is now fully integrated into the head unit. Also new here is the unique four-spoke steering wheel with finicky touch-sensitive buttons that we’d reckon may turn off some buyers out there.

Rounding off the cabin amenities list are an optional 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a panoramic moonroof, triple-zone climate control with dedicated rear vents, and the new BMW HypersonX driving sounds.

Thanks to its dedicated EV platform, BMW claims the new iX3 boasts a pretty spacious five-seater cabin layout, while its boot space measures 861 litres as standard and can be expanded to 1,841 litres with the rear seats folded down.

2026 BMW iX3 50 xDrive

As confirmed prior, the first variant of this new EV SUV will be the iX3 50 xDrive, featuring a dual-motor AWD setup delivering a combined output of 463 hp (345 kW) and 645 Nm. This translates to a quick century sprint time of 4.9 seconds, plus a limited V-max of 209 km/h.

Although BMW hasn’t specified its battery capacity, the automaker did claim that it is good enough for up to 805 km of WLTP range. Thanks to its 800-volt Neue Klasse EV platform, the iX3 can accept DCFC at up to 400 kW, which gives it up to 370 km of driving range just from a 10-minute charge.

Besides the dual-motor 50 xDrive variant, BMW is also working on a single-motor entry-level variant for the iX3, and we’d reckon a full-blown M version might follow suit later.

Another thing that sets the iX3 apart from current BMW EVs is its quad-computer “superbrain” system, with each unit in charge of controlling different aspects of the vehicle such as driving dynamics, autonomous driving systems, and more.

For example, one of these ‘brains’ is known as the ‘Heart of Joy,’ which is responsible for the drivetrain, brakes, energy recuperation, and steering to ensure that the new iX3 still delivers the sheer driving pleasure BMW is known for.

As for the automated driving system, another ‘superbrain’ is in charge of both the ADAS and park assist functions for the new iX3, allowing the car to be offered with the optional Highway Assistant that enables hands-off driving for prolonged periods of time.

Given that the new iX3 is now considered a software-defined vehicle (SDV), BMW says it will keep improving the car throughout its lifecycle with over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Deliveries for the all-new, second-gen BMW iX3 will start in Europe later in spring 2026, followed by the rest of the world later that year. Production for both the EU and US-spec iX3 will take place at BMW’s new plant in Debrecen, Hungary, while Chinese buyers will get their iX3 locally-assembled at a dedicated plant in Shenyang, China.