BMW launches ‘Neue Klasse’ iX3 with massive range, new infotainment system

BMW’s first Neue Klasse electric vehicle is here, and it is already one of the new, most interesting electric vehicles in Europe in the past two years.

Announced for the first time in 2023, the Neue Klasse (which is German for “New Class”) is a radical rethinking of BMW philosophy, with a new design language, a minimalist interior, first digital, and more intelligent technology promises, as well as more range, efficiency and rapid charging – in short, all buyers of electric vehicles that are strengthened.

The BMW IX3 is the first officially unveiled Klasse car, and it delivers all the above, at least on paper.

Aside, it almost looks like an ordinary BMW family carrier.
Credit: BMW

A little strangely, it has the same name as the current BMW IX3, a fairly pedestrian electric SUV (or after -sales service – a sports activity vehicle – as BMW calls it). And yes, the new BMW IX3 is still a medium -sized family carrier that works on the battery, but it is also kilometers ahead of its predecessor on most charges.

The first model to strike stores – in the spring of 2026 in Europe, followed by an American launch in summer – will be the BMW IX3 50 xDrive. It comes with a huge WLTP range from 679 to 805 kilometers (421–500 miles), thanks to a huge 108.7 kW lithium battery. The car allows a load of 400 kW in compatible load terminals, which means that it will charge 10 to 80% in 21 minutes.

The IX30 50 xDrive is powered by two electric motors, which gives it a maximum power of 469 horsepower, which should be sufficient to go from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.9 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km / h (130 MPH). BMW says that the driving technology it has developed for Neue Klasse reduces energy losses by 40% compared to its fifth generation EDRIVE technology, which is part of the reason why the new IX3 has combined electrical energy consumption of 17.9–15.15 kWh / 100 km.

These rear lights will be essential on the road.
Credit: BMW

Although the external design is not really a radical gap of some of the new BMW models (yay for the smaller “kidneys” on the front grille), the interior is another story. The central display of a strange form center will probably not be to everyone’s taste, but it is certainly different from everything we have seen inside other cars. The same goes for the panoramic vision screen that spreads under the entire length of the windshield, offering a quick look of functionalities such as navigation, music, weather and time.

It is not only for the show (word game). The new BMW infotainment system, the BMW Panoramic Idrive (based on the freshly developed BMW operating system “)” brings together displays, geometry and sound design in a holistic experience “, according to the company.

We need a name for the form of the central screen.
Credit: BMW

Ok, now that we have had a little laugh, it really seems that BMW is thinking a lot about the modernization of infotainment while making sure you pay attention to the road. There is also the optional BMW 3D optional case, and almost anything can be checked by the occupied range of buttons on each side of the steering wheel.

The brains behind it is all new-all four, that is to say. BMW claims that its Neue Klasse offers four “superbrains”. One of them, called Heart of Joy (BMW just likes to give names to things), is responsible for transmission, brakes, energy recovery and management. Another, which claims BMW, has “20 times more processing power than conventional control units”, takes care of driving and automated car parking functions.

As for the ordinary car, it is enough to say that the BMW IX3 measures 4,782 millimeters in length and has a respectable 520 liters at the rear, alongside a small fruit which can contain 58 liters of cargo.

There is no word on the price for all this, but it will certainly make your eyes on the water if you opt for the M Sport or M Package optional or M Sport Package Pro. On the other hand, BMW says that other cheaper models will follow the road.

This model is a big problem for BMW. The company plans to implement part of the Neue Klasse technology in 40 new models and updates of models by 2027. It looks quite well by far, although it takes more close to what extent everything has been well put in place.