BMW’s first Neue Klasse electric vehicle has officially debuted, highlighting one of the most captivating new EVs in Europe in recent years.
Initially revealed in 2023, the Neue Klasse (translating to “new class” in German) signifies a major transformation in BMW’s strategy, boasting a new design language, a sleek, digital-oriented interior, and commitments to improved technology, range, efficiency, and quick charging—essentially everything that electric vehicle buyers seek.
The BMW iX3 is the premier Neue Klasse model to be revealed, fulfilling these commitments, at least on paper.
From a side angle, it bears resemblance to a conventional BMW family vehicle. Credit: BMW
Interestingly, it shares its name with the existing BMW iX3, a relatively typical electric SUV (or SAV—sport activity vehicle, as BMW refers to it). While the new BMW iX3 maintains its status as a mid-sized family vehicle driven by a battery, it significantly surpasses its predecessor in various metrics.
The initial model set to launch—available in Europe in spring 2026 and subsequently in the U.S. during summer—will be the BMW iX3 50 xDrive. It features an impressive 679–805-kilometer (421–500-mile) WLTP range, thanks to a substantial 108.7 kW lithium-ion battery. The vehicle is compatible with 400 kW charging stations, enabling a 10 to 80 percent charge in just 21 minutes.
The iX3 50 xDrive comes with two electric motors, generating a maximum output of 469 horsepower, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, and achieving a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph). BMW asserts that the drive technology developed for Neue Klasse reduces energy losses by 40 percent compared to its fifth-generation eDrive technology, contributing to the new iX3’s combined electric power consumption of 17.9–15.1 kWh/100 km.
Those taillights are sure to stand out on the road. Credit: BMW
While the exterior design isn’t a radical leap from some of BMW’s recent models (featuring smaller “kidneys” on the front grille), the interior tells a different tale. The uniquely designed, somewhat square center display might not resonate with everyone, but it undoubtedly differentiates itself from other car interiors. The same applies to the Panoramic Vision display that stretches across the entire windshield, offering quick access to features like navigation, music, weather, and time.
BMW’s new infotainment system, the BMW Panoramic iDrive (based on the newly developed BMW Operating System X), “blends displays, geometry, and light & sound design into a unified experience,” as per the company.
We need a name for the shape of the center display. Credit: BMW
Despite the humor, it seems BMW has dedicated significant effort towards modernizing the infotainment while allowing drivers to maintain focus on the road. There’s also the optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display, with most functions manageable via the array of buttons flanking the steering wheel.
The technology underpinning all this is completely new—featuring four “superbrains,” as BMW labels them. One, named Heart of Joy (BMW enjoys inventive names), oversees the drivetrain, brakes, energy recuperation, and steering. Another, which BMW claims possesses “20 times the processing power of conventional control units,” manages the vehicle’s automated driving and parking capabilities.
Regarding standard features, the BMW iX3 measures 4,782 millimeters in length, providing a commendable 520 liters of rear cargo space, along with a small frunk that can accommodate 58 liters.
Pricing details are still pending, but opting for the M Sport or M package or M Sport package Pro will likely incur significant costs. Nevertheless, BMW suggests that more budget-friendly models will be released at a later date.
This model holds considerable importance for BMW. The company intends to integrate aspects of the Neue Klasse technology across 40 new models and updates by 2027. It appears remarkable from a distance, though a closer inspection will determine how well it has been realized.