BMW has released new details about the redesigned iX3, ahead of its debut at the Munich Motor Show this fall. Set to become the first Neue Klasse vehicle, the crossover promises to be a major leap forward.

That isn’t just hype as BMW confirmed the model will use new cylindrical battery cells that have a 20% higher energy density than the prismatic cells being used today. Thanks to this change, the iX3 50 xDrive is slated to have an EPA range of up to 400 miles (800 km WLTP / 900 km CLTC).

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That’s a truly impressive number, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg as the model also has a 400 kW DC fast charging capability. This will enable the crossover to get more than 217 miles (350 km) of range in as little as 10 minutes.

Faster and Smarter Charging

Speaking of charging, the iX3 has an “intelligent charging flap” that automatically opens thanks to the use of artificial intelligence. As the automaker explained, when the driver approaches a familiar or learned charging point, the flap automatically opens when it arrives to make the recharging process a little faster and convenient.

Customers will also find bidirectional charging capabilities including Vehicle-to-Load, Vehicle-to-Home, and Vehicle-to-Grid. The latter functions are enabled by a new 19.2 kW Wallbox and they enable the crossover to act as an emergency power source.

Panoramic iDrive And New Driver Assist Technology

While most of the cabin is covered by cloth camouflage, the iX3 features a Panoramic iDrive system that consists of a pillar-to-pillar display as well as a large center-mounted screen running BMW Operating System X.

They’re joined by a funky, “shy-tech” steering wheel that has buttons that illuminate when various functions are available. They’re joined by slender air vents, door-mounted seat controls, and an optional 3D head-up display.

On the topic of technology, BMW confirmed the iX3 will have next-generation driver assistance systems that use AI. The crossover also has processing speeds that are 20 times faster than the previous system.

The automaker was hazy on specifics, but mentioned hands-free highway driving as well as an automatic lane change function. They’ll be joined by a new Motorway & City Assistant system, which “helps the driver in complex driving situations in urban areas.” It can reportedly handle tight corners and roundabouts as well as automatically brake for red lights, before resuming when they turn green.

There’s even cooperative steering and braking, which will allow drivers to turn the steering wheel or apply brakes “just a little.” Doing so will adjust the response of the automated driving system without shutting it off.

We can also expect an advanced parking system that offers an “AI-based selection of parking assistance services, parking space recognition, maneuver planning, and an improved parking experience.”

Production of the iX3 will begin late this year and deliveries will, presumably, begin shortly thereafter.

Update: With its world debut now confirmed for this September at the Munich Motor Show, BMW is putting the finishing touches on the new iX3. The electric SUV has been in development for quite some time, and the latest images from Nurburgring testing show the prototype fitted with what appear to be the finalized headlight and taillight designs.

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One of the test vehicles caught by our spy photographers was fitted with wheels that resemble those from the Vision Neue Klasse sedan concept. It’s still unclear whether these are standard alloys or aero-style covers, but the more pronounced side skirts and bulkier front bumper point to this tester being the M Performance variant, similar to the electric iX M50 or the current gas-powered X3 M50

This sportier version of the iX3 is expected to feature a dual-motor setup and will probably retain the M50 badge. Beyond the upgraded powertrain and more aggressive exterior styling, it’s expected to feature an M-tuned chassis with a firmer, lower suspension and drive modes tailored specifically for performance.

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Previously, our photographers also spotted a pre-production prototype of the upcoming BMW iX3 Neue Klasse SUV not long after it rolled off the line at the automaker’s plant in Hungary. The fully electric model is now undergoing final-stage development tests ahead of its planned market launch towards the end of 2025.

The BMW iX3 Neue Klasse made its spy debut in November 2023, but early prototypes featured provisional lighting units. The new prototype is fitted with the production headlights and taillights, revealing a modern LED lighting signature. This was the last missing piece of the puzzle, as the bodywork of the SUV has already been uncovered in recent patent drawings.

What’s Up With The Frunk?

The new prototype was also spotted with its hood open. While the BMW iX3 doesn’t appear to have a frunk, as the front space is currently packed with drivetrain hardware, this setup might just be a cover in both the literal and figurative sense, acting as a placeholder for testing. The final production model will in all likelihood include front storage, similar to what’s found in other EVs.

We can also see the iX3’s pop-out door handles, which are less futuristic than the fin-shaped solution of the Vision Neue Klasse X concept. Judging from earlier spy shots, these will likely find their way into the larger iX5.

The wheels of the prototype suggest that this is one of the lesser versions of the BMW iX3. Our spy photographers suggest that the wheel diameter of the production model will be between 18 inches and 22 inches depending on the trim. The larger size will likely be reserved for the performance-focused offering by BMW M.

Neue Klasse, First of Many

The new BMW iX3 will be the first production model to adopt the Neue Klasse styling language before it gets applied to the automaker’s entire range of combustion and electric models. The iX3 will be followed by the i3 sedan, the similarly-sized 3-Series, and the new generation of the X5/iX5, which are set to debut in the coming years.

Under the skin, the Neue Klasse platform supports a new generation of lighter and more efficient electric motors. The iX3 will launch with single and dual-motor configurations, with output expected to range from around 300 to 600 horsepower. It will also feature 800V electrical architecture for faster charging and house next-generation batteries that are 20% more energy-dense, boosting range and efficiency by up to 30%. In its top configuration, the iX3 could travel as far as 800 kilometers, or about 500 miles, on a full charge.

Series production of the Neue Klasse-based iX3 is scheduled to begin later in the second half of 2025.

John Halas contributed to this story.

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