Electric range, recycled materials, and smarter design are coming together in BMW’s next-generation SUV. Next month, we’ll get our first look at the iX3, but we’re already learning more about it. The all-electric SUV is the brand’s first production foray into its Neue Klasse design and aims to offer 400 miles of range, a very unique interior, and a lot of artificial intelligence baked in.

Now, there’s another notable point: roughly 33 percent of the iX3 is made from recycled materials.

More: BMW’s Baby M SUV Might Be Lurking Under This iX3

BMW says that it applied what it calls “design for circularity”. In other words, it prioritized the use of secondary (recycled materials) wherever it could. For example, the PET (polyethylene terephthalate) material used in some of the seat covers increases recyclability. The yarn used therein is recycled PET already.

The engine cover and the storage compartment under the front hood also source 30 percent raw material from maritime plastic. Those are things like old fishing nets, ropes, and other debris. BMW didn’t stop there: 80 percent of the aluminum in the wheel carriers and swivel bearings is recycled, while 70 percent of the wheels are from recycled aluminum.

That’s all well and good, but what if all this work added more carbon to the atmosphere than it saved?

BMW evidently thought of that from start to finish with the iX3. The high voltage system relies on 50 percent secondary cobalt, lithium, and nickel and leverages renewable energy sources to produce the anode and cathode materials and the battery cells it uses.

In total, it’s decreased CO2 emissions in its supply chain by 35 percent, it says. Notably, that makes it so that this car reduces overall emissions after just a year, or 21,500 km (13,360 miles) of use.

This all sounds great, but it’ll be important to see. Production for the iX3 begins later this year, with deliveries to begin shortly thereafter. We’ll know more once we see it at the Munich Motor Show this fall. 

Less than a month ago, BMW announced a recall impacting more than 70,000 of its electric vehicles, revealing a software issue that could cause the high-voltage system to shut down unexpectedly. Fast forward to July, and the German brand has issued another recall for several of its EVs in the United States. This time, the recall is also related to battery cell modules that may have been assembled incorrectly.

Read: BMW Recalls Thousands Of EVs That Can Lose Power While Driving

According to the recall notice, the issue stems from the process of compressing individual battery cells to form a single module. In this case, BMW says the force used to combine the cells within the module may have exceeded its specifications. This means that over the lifetime of the vehicle, and when combined with repeated charging sessions, the module frame could fail.

What Can Go Wrong

If the frame does weaken or fail, it could lead to a shutdown of the high-voltage system. This would result in a total loss of propulsion, creating a potential crash risk. There’s also an increased chance of fire if a failure occurs.

The recall impacts a total of 136 vehicles. Oftentimes, only a small percentage of affected vehicles are thought to have the issue. That’s not the case here, as BMW believes that all 136 vehicles have battery cell modules that may not have been assembled to specifications.

Those include 2022-2025 BMW iX models manufactured from November 3, 2021, and February 14, 2024, as well as 2023-2024 BMW i7s built from June 12, 2023, to July 19, 2023, and 2022-2023 BMW i4s assembled from June 2, 2022, to May 11, 2023.

Notably, vehicles involved in the recall may not suffer from any issues for quite some time. In its analysis, BMW says that damage to the module frame of impacted models may not occur until the latter part of 2026. Nevertheless, it’s decided now is the time to issue a recall.

Owners will begin receiving notification letters on September 5. Dealers have already been instructed to replace the affected high-voltage battery cell modules on all impacted vehicles.

With the release of its all-electric M3, BMW’s M division will embark on a brave new future and try to convince gearheads it’s possible to have a fun and engaging EV. While it’ll be some time before anyone gets behind the wheel of this promising new model, recent spy photos offer a surprisingly detailed glimpse at what’s to come. So far, things are looking encouraging.

Read: This BMW M3 May Be The Heaviest Yet But Also The Quickest Ever

Visually, the electric M3 will mark one of the first entries in BMW’s Neue Klasse lineup, bringing with it a noticeably different design language compared to today’s M3. One of the biggest changes is at the front. The oversized and much criticized kidney grilles from the six-cylinder version appear to be on the way out.

A New Take on the Front End

Based on prototype sightings, these renderings from Kolesa suggest the electric M3, possibly named the iM3, will feature sharp headlights integrated cleanly into slim, illuminated kidney grilles. It looks excellent, which isn’t a word we’re used to using when it comes to modern BMW designs. The publication has also imagined the new sports sedan with a large secondary lower grille finished in black, adding to the aggressive looks.

The same testers also hint that the side profile of the new model will differ significantly from the G80 M3, drawing more from the design of the latest 5-Series. This will include door handles that sit flush with the bodywork and simpler lines. Then there’s the rear.

The taillights of the new model should be similar to those from the recent Vision Driving Experience demonstrator, but if these renders prove accurate, they’ll be slightly smaller and slimmer. A sculpted bumper with a pronounced diffuser gives the rear a more commanding and purposeful appearance.

Powertrain Possibilities

BMW hasn’t shared official specs for the iM3 just yet, but all signs point to a quad-motor layout. While the theoretical output of this setup could reach a staggering 1,341 horsepower, equivalent to one Megawatt, the Germans are expected to dial it back to somewhere in the range of 700 to 800 horsepower for production. Even at those numbers, it would make this the most powerful M3 to date, and possibly the quickest as well.

In the ever-shifting world of automotive design, headlights have become a surprising focal point. Once a simple necessity, they’ve evolved into complex design statements that now split opinion as much as they split the light.

Also: BMW And Audi Join The Split Headlight Design Trend

Over the past few years, Audi and BMW have embraced the split headlight trend across several models. While some buyers welcome the distinctive look, others find themselves wishing for a return to simpler forms. Digital artist Nikita Chuyko has taken on this design debate, reimagining these vehicles with a more unified lighting approach, and the results offer an intriguing visual twist.

Starting with Audi, Chuyko, who shares his work under the name Kelsonik, applied his edits to the new Q3, the Q6 e-tron, and the A6 e-tron. His styling take removes the upper headlight elements, where the daytime running lights (DRLs) typically sit. Instead, he relocates slimmer DRLs into the lower light clusters that house the main beams. The effect is subtle but significant, offering a more streamlined and arguably cohesive look.

Design Disruption and Visual Gaps

Getting used to the redesign takes a moment. Our eyes are conditioned to find a car’s identity in its grille and headlights, which makes the absence of the upper lighting noticeable right away. With the DRLs now sitting low in the bumper intakes and a wide space left under the hood’s shut line, the front end feels a bit unfamiliar. On electric Audis, where the grille is already body-colored and less defined, the overall impression can feel even more ambiguous.

More: Audi’s New Compact SUV Gains A Slinkier Profile And A Power Boost

Illustrations Nikita Chuyko for Kolesa

Kelsonik’s reworked illustrations appeared on his Instagram account and in Russian publication Kolesa. Reactions were mixed. One commenter pointed out that the new setup highlights the car’s “cheeks” instead of the traditional “eyes,” while another simply pleaded with automakers to return headlights to their “normal” position.

BMW Gets the Same Treatment

Last year, the same publication shared renderings of BMW models with a similar approach. Nikita removed the DRLs from the BMW 7-Series sedan, the X7 SUV, and the XM SUV, leaving the rest of their exterior design largely unchanged.

More: Get Ready For A Dramatically Different-Looking New BMW X5 M

Of the three, the luxury sedan arguably showcases the concept most effectively, as it appears more refined with unified headlight units. Still, the overall design would feel more balanced if the lights were positioned slightly higher and the kidney grille scaled down. That’s exactly the direction Chuyko took in a more recent rendering of a fictional BMW M7.

BMW is already steering toward a new design direction with its upcoming Neue Klasse models. This future-forward lineup is expected to move away from split headlights altogether. Instead, it will likely feature a sleeker, shark-nose aesthetic that nods to the brand’s heritage while offering a more unified and appealing face.

The electric era is coming for just about every corner of the car world, and BMW’s iconic M3 lineup is no exception. An all-electric version of the high-performance sedan is on its way, marking a significant step for BMW as it enters the Neue Klasse generation.

This new model will be sold alongside the familiar gas-powered M3, and while it may have a tough time delivering the same visceral thrills, BMW M seems like the right team to take on the challenge of making an EV that’s genuinely engaging to drive.

Read: BMW’s Electric Super Sedan Could Arrive Sooner Than You Think

Numerous electric M3 prototypes are currently making the rounds across Europe, and this particular one was recently spotted near BMW’s facility at the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Seeing an M3 prototype charging is a little unsettling for purists – a bit like discovering your favorite bouncer knits in his spare time. Good for him, sure, but it does throw off the mental image.

This prototype, fully cloaked in camouflage, appears to lack the bulky body cladding seen on earlier test cars, giving us a much clearer look at the near-production-spec bodywork.

The shape of the nose is vastly different than the current M3 and reflective of BMW’s Neue Klasse design, something that’ll soon spread throughout the brand’s entire range of cars. There is a set of relatively small headlights connected seamlessly to blacked-out kidney grilles. This prototype also has a secondary grille lower down on the bumper for additional cooling.

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It’s the fenders of the electric M3, or the i3M as BMW might end up naming it, that stand out the most. They’re impressively wide, giving the car a broad, aggressive stance. The rear arches are especially muscular, and paired with the shape of the temporary taillights, they bring to mind the current BMW M5 in both proportion and attitude.

The Juicy Details

This tester also has a set of wheels that should make the production model. These wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires and sit over a set of beefy, cross-drilled steel brakes. Spy shots from last month indicated that the electric M3 will likely weigh at least 465 kg (1,025 lbs) more than the current gas-powered model, so we wouldn’t be surprised if carbon ceramic brakes were available as an option, as they are on the current M3 and M4.

Powertrain details remain a bit of a mystery at this stage. The prevailing expectation is that the iM3 will feature four electric motors delivering a combined output of at least 700 hp. Interestingly, BMW has suggested that the setup could be pushed to over 1,300 hp, though it’s unclear whether that level of performance will make it to production.

Even at the lower estimate, the iM3 would be in the same league as the upcoming M5 and comfortably ahead of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N, which produces 641 hp. In all likelihood, it will end up being the quickest production car ever to wear an M3 badge.

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The BMW CE 04 has always been an electric scooter unlike any other. For decades, almost all scooters looked merely utilitarian, but when launched in 2021, the CE 04 represented something radical as it looked more like a movie prop than a typical scooter. Now, it has been updated for 2025, and thankfully, the bold design has remained largely unchanged, but some upgrades have been made.

For starters, the CE 04 is now available in three grades: Basic, Avantgarde, and Exclusive. This first is sold exclusively in Lightwhite with a black-grey seat and a clear windshield, whereas the Avantgarde is painted in Gravity Blue metallic matte with Sao Paulo yellow contrasts. Adding to its bold looks are a yellow-tinted windshield, a black and grey seat with yellow and white accents, and a laser-engraved rear wheel.

Read: BMW Unveiled Something Wild On Two Wheels

Then there’s the Exclusive. It is painted in Space Silver metallic and has a more elegant look, complete with a much larger windshield. The Exclusive also comes standard with heated grips and seats, as well as distinctive upholstery.

Mechanically, the 2025 CE 04 is identical to the original. That means it still sports an 8.9 kWh battery driving a single electric motor with 42 hp. A lower-powered version that tops out at 31 hp is also available. BMW says it can travel up to 130 km (81 miles) on a single charge and hit 50 km/h (32 mph) in 2.6 seconds, which is very respectable for a two-wheeler that’s not a sports bike.

Owners using a normal household socket will need to wait 4 hours and 20 minutes to charge the CE 04 fully. Those with access to a 6.9 kW charger can reduce the charging time to 1 hour and 40 minutes for a full charge or 45 minutes to get from 20 to 80 percent.

All CE 04 models can be optioned with BMW Motorrad’s automatic stability control and dynamic traction control systems. There are also three riding modes, ABS brakes, LED lights, and a 10.25-inch display.  

BMW M has confirmed that it’s developing a new halo supercar, one that could revive the spirit of the M1 from the late 1970s. Though the company hasn’t released any official details yet, the news has already sparked creative interpretations. Among them is a striking digital study by independent designer Sebastiano Ciarcia, who has envisioned his own version of a next-generation BMW exotic. He calls it the Ethos.

More: BMW Almost Launched An All-Electric Hypercar With 1,300 HP

This digital concept channels the same energy as the striking Nazca C2 prototype from the early 1990s, originally penned by Italdesign. There are also clear influences from the BMW i8 and the Vision M Next concept from 2019, both of which serve as recent milestones in BMW’s design evolution.

A Study in Surface and Stance

The BMW Ethos has a dramatic, low-slung stance with a wide footprint. A glass canopy covers the cabin, while partially exposed rear wheels recall the look of vintage Italian exotics. Up front, Ciarcia reimagines BMW’s signature kidney grille with a cleaner, body-colored design and a small, offset BMW badge. According to the designer, the grille pays tribute to BMW classics from the 1950s, like the 503 and 507.

Another highlight is the LED headlights which are integrated within the front intakes, slightly reminiscent of Peugeot‘s 9X8 Le Mans Hypercar. The sculpted fenders are protruding from the rest of the bodywork, contributing to the athletic profile. Ciarcia describes the surfacing as “a contrast of soft and hard volumes”.

Around back, the Ethos features a slim, full-width LED light bar, an active spoiler, and an aggressive diffuser to tie it all together.

Illustrations Sebastiano Ciarcia

Designed With Future Powertrains in Mind

Although the concept doesn’t display any obvious signs of an internal combustion engine, it isn’t imagined as fully electric either. Instead, Ciarcia envisions a hydrogen fuel-cell setup that could deliver performance on par with a modern hypercar, an approach that leaves the door open for alternative propulsion technologies.

To help bring the design to life, the Ethos has been rendered in a Champagne finish and placed in a setting that feels perfectly suited: the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on Lake Como in Italy. It’s the same venue that BMW introduced the limited-production Speedtop shooting brake this year, following the Skytop from 2024 and 2023’s Z4-based Touring Coupe.

More: BMW Scrapped A 95% Finished Supercar For The XM SUV

When it comes to potential rivals for the Ethos, the designer points to a wide range of high-performance supercars and hypercars, including the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, Aston Martin Valhalla, and Ferrari F80. Perhaps the closest match, though, would be the rumored all-electric supercar from Mercedes-AMG, previewed in 2023 by the Vision One-Eleven concept.

Ciarcia is an Italian automotive designer currently based in Gothenburg, Sweden. A graduate of IAAD, he has worked with several major automakers, including Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Rimac, and Volvo. CarScoops readers might recognize his name from a few years back, when he unveiled an impressive mid-engined reinterpretation of the Lancia Delta.

For more of his work, you can follow Sebastiano Ciarcia on Instagram.

Sebastiano Ciarcia

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BMW is recalling 70,852 EVs because their electric drive motor software may shut down the high-voltage system. This can result in a loss of drive power, which increases the risk of a crash.

An assortment of models are impacted including the 2022-2025 i4, 2022-2024 iX, and 2023-2024 i7. BMW is also recalling 4,674 i5s from the 2024 model year.

More: BMW Introduces New i4 M60 With 593 HP

According to the safety recall report, the electric drive motor software may “erroneously detect a double-isolation condition.” If this occurs, the high-voltage system will shut down for approximately 15-20 seconds following a warning message. This will effectively leave drivers coasting, but the government noted the steering and braking system will continue to operate.

BMW began investigating the issue in 2021 and initially believed debris could have gotten into electric motors and affected their performance. However, there was a “very low number of claims” at the time and this made it hard to pinpoint the problem.

Despite the difficulties, the automaker spent years looking into the issue and eventually focused on the possibility of a loss of propulsion due to detection of a double-isolation condition. This analysis suggested the “vehicle software could not determine, whether a detected double-isolation condition was, in fact, a true double-isolation condition, which warranted a high-voltage system shutdown or, was, in fact, only a single-isolation condition.” This is important as a double-isolation condition triggers a shutdown of the high-voltage system as part of a fail-safe measure to prevent an electric shock or a “thermal risk.”

BMW believes they have received approximately 43 warranty claims related to the issue, which resulted in loss of propulsion at speeds greater than 20 mph (32 km/h). Thankfully, the company isn’t aware of any accidents or injuries related to the problem.

To address the issue, BMW will install new electric drive motor software as part of an over-the-air update. Customers can also have this installed at dealerships and owner notifications are slated to go out on August 5.

Electric or not, the M3 still matters, especially when BMW decides to shake things up. Car enthusiasts haven’t exactly been begging for an all-electric version of the M3, but that hasn’t stopped BMW from building one anyway.

The upcoming EV, currently referred to as the iM3, will be sold alongside the combustion-powered version of the sports sedan. Over the past year, it’s been spotted undergoing testing in multiple locations around the globe. Now, two new prototypes have been caught by our spy photographers, giving us a closer look at some previously unseen details.

Sharp Looks, Familiar Details

One of the camouflaged test cars appears to be wearing production-ready fender flares for the first time. These widened arches are a subtle but important detail, giving the car a broader, more aggressive stance that mirrors the current G80 M3’s proportions. Visually, they make a strong first impression.

Read: BMW’s Electric Super Sedan Could Arrive Sooner Than You Think

This same prototype is also equipped with a set of eye-catching black wheels featuring an intricate spoke design, similar to those of the G80 and the G82 M3. As we’ve seen in the past, it also has a Neue Klasse-inspired front fascia with sleek headlights that flow gracefully into the small faux kidney grilles. There are no coffin grilles in sight.

Similarly, the rear end is radically different than the current six-cylinder model, and thankfully, does not appear as short and stumpy as the weird rear of BMW’s recently unveiled Vision Driving Experience Concept.

Heavyweight Status Confirmed

A second prototype was also spotted, this time fitted with a set of 20-inch Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tires, sized at 295/35. More interestingly, our photographers also managed to capture a shot of the door badge displaying the car’s VIN and preliminary weight figures.

Four numbers were listed: 2,675 kg (5,897 lbs), 4,475 kg (9,865 lbs), 1,250 kg (2,756 lbs), and 1,475 kg (3,252 lbs). The first figure, 2,675 kg (5,897 lbs), appears to represent the gross vehicle weight or the total allowable weight of the car, including its own mass, passengers, cargo, and fluids. The second figure, 4,475 kg (9,865 lbs), likely refers to the gross combined weight when towing a trailer. The final two numbers specify the maximum axle loads: 1,250 kg (2,756 lbs) at the front and 1,475 kg (3,252 lbs) at the rear.

The number that stands out is the preliminary gross weight of 2,675 kg (5,897 lbs), and how that stacks up against the current ICE-powered M3 Sedan. According to BMW’s spec sheet, the base M3 has a curb weight of 1,780 kg (3,924 lbs) and a maximum permissible weight (presumably equivalent to gross weight) of 2,210 kg (4,872 lbs).

More: The 2025 BMW M5 Weighs 1,000 Lbs More Than Its Predecessor, Is Heavier Than Many F-150s!

That would make the electric M3 prototype at least 465 kg (1,025 lbs) heavier than its gas-powered counterpart, but somewhat surprisingly, possibly lighter than the ICE M5, which has a maximum permissible weight of 2,950 kg (6,504 lbs) and a curb weight of 2,510 kg (5,534 lbs).

However, it’s worth pointing out that the ICE model’s gross weight includes a full tank of fuel and various fluids not needed in an EV. For reference, the ICE M3 also has maximum axle load ratings of 1,080 kg (2,381 lbs) at the front and 1,180 kg (2,601 lbs) at the rear.

The interior of this car was also snapped. However, it has been fitted with several temporary parts, including two displays that won’t make it to the production model. Perhaps the only part visible on this prototype that could make it to production is the intriguing steering wheel.

BMW hasn’t officially announced a launch date, but according to a report, production is expected to begin in March 2027 and continue through October 2034. For now, only a sedan is mentioned, though rumors of a Touring version continue to circulate.

Baldauf

Solid-state batteries have been the big promise in the EV world for years now. Enthusiasts and experts alike have predicted they would render current battery chemistries like LFP and NMC practically obsolete by this point. So far, though, we’re still waiting for that promised breakthrough.

Still, the world’s largest carmakers aren’t ready to give up on them just yet. Companies like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis continue to pour resources into solid-state tech, lured by the possibility of EVs that could travel over 1,000 km (621 miles) on a single charge.

BMW recently started testing a specially-equipped i7 prototype in Munich with large-format solid-state cells from US company Solid Power. These cells use sulfide-based electrolytes and will be used in future Neue Klasse models from the automaker. But it won’t be until the 2030s that mass production of these cars begins.

Read: Mercedes EQS Solid State Prototype Hits The Street With 621 Miles Of Range

Cross-town rival Mercedes-Benz is also working on solid-state EVs of its own. It started real-world testing of a retrofitted EQS in February, using a battery from Factorial Energy, a company Mercedes has been working with for several years.

According to Auto News, this new battery will have 25% higher energy than current packs. It’ll also be lighter and more compact. This will also impact the designs of future Mercedes models with solid-state packs, according to the company’s head of battery development, Uwe Keller.

“[These benefits] not only lead to longer vehicle ranges but also affect the vehicle design, for example the architecture,” he revealed. “Solid state cells are also less prone to overheating.”

Stellantis is also making moves to bring solid-state batteries to the market. Like Mercedes, it’s working with Factorial Energy on the project and will start tests in 2026. According to the senior vice president of tech research at Stellantis, Anne Laliron, “Solid state is the North Star in battery chemistry,” allowing car brands to choose between “more range or fewer materials – both reduce cost and carbon footprint.”

While it’s unclear when Stellantis will bring the tech to the road, both Toyota and Nissan believe they can commercialize solid-state batteries in the very near future. Toyota is targeting production in 2027, while Nissan says it can launch a solid-state battery by 2028. However, given the turmoil Nissan currently finds itself in, we wouldn’t be shocked to see that date get pushed back.

BMW’s upcoming all-electric 3-Series, known as the i3 (no relation to the oddball 2013 hatchback of the same name), is set to arrive next year. New insider information hints that the lineup will be broader than expected, with several variants in the pipeline. Among them is the flagship iM3, a high-performance electric M3 that could pack over 700 horsepower.

While some automakers have been forced to rethink their EV strategy, BMW is going all-in. Starting with the iM3, it will reportedly begin production in March 2027, continuing through October 2034. This timeline comes from BimmerPost user ‘ynguldyn‘, a well-known BMW insider with a solid track record for accurate leaks.

Unlike the current gas-powered M3, which is offered in several different guises, including the base model, the M3 Performance, the first-ever M3 Touring, and the M3 CS, just a single version of the iM3 has been confirmed at this stage.

Read: BMW Vision Vehicle Is Our Best Look Yet At The iM3 Neue Klasse

Unfortunately, powertrain details remain a mystery and may not be known until a few months the car is launched. It’s been suggested that it could have as many as four electric motors, allowing for the use of complex torque vectoring.

The iM3 will also be one of BMW’s first production models to use its new natural fiber material. Announced last week, the natural fiber composite has been developed alongside a Swiss firm and is derived from flax seeds. It’s designed to be just as strong as carbon fiber, but with 40% fewer CO2 emissions required for its manufacture. It could be used on the car’s bucket seats and other trims. There will also be a head-up display as standard and a panoramic sunroof.

What About The Non-M i3s?

Beyond the iM3, the standard i3 lineup is expected to enter production in July 2026, running alongside the flagship until October 2034. Several versions are reportedly on the table, including i3 20, 40, 40 xDrive, 50, 50 xDrive, and the M60 xDrive. The M60 model is scheduled to arrive in March 2027.

Technical specifications remain under wraps, but key features could include similar multi-function seats from the 5-Series, a panoramic glass sunroof as standard, optional highway driving assistant, and a choice of 19-, 20-, and 21-inch wheels. The M60 xDrive will also sport an adaptive M suspension, M brakes, an M steering wheel, and other sporty features.

Like it or not, BMW M’s best-selling vehicle is an EV, the i4 M50, which was recently upgraded to become the i4 M60. And there’s plenty more where that came from, including a fully electric M3 and the musclebound electric SUV you see here.

The big drilled brake discs and huge wheels make it clear we’re looking at a performance variant of the upcoming iX5, BMW’s first ever electric X5. And based on what we know of the brand’s current naming strategy, we think it’s likely an iX5 M70.

Related: BMW’s Baby M SUV Might Be Lurking Under This iX3

The 23-inch, five-spoke forged rims are wrapped in Michelin tires rated to over 150 mph (240 km/h), and we’ve no doubt the M70 will be capable of sailing past that speed – and then some in case BMW doesn’t restrict it. Odds-on it’s powered by the same dual-motor powertrain setup that’s already seeing action in the i7 M70, where it makes 650 hp (659 PS / 485 kW) and can send the sedan to 62 mph (100 kmh) in 3.7 seconds. Let’s hope BMW can use its latest battery technology to improve on the i7’s M70’s range, which the EPA says is just 268-285 miles (431-459 km).

Like the i7, the new iX5, which will also be available in combustion form, relies on an updated version of the existing CLAR architecture. That’s a major difference between the X5/iX5 and the X3/iX3; on the smaller SUV the combustion car is CLAR-based but the iX3 moves to BMW’s Neue Klasse platform.

But even if it’s not Neue Klasse under the skin, the X5 will still look the part, borrowing design cues from the iX3, which was previewed by last year’s Vision Neue Klasse X concept, including a visor-like front-end. These pictures show the project is still at a relatively early stage, so the lights aren’t representative and there are some riveted panels on the bodywork and heavy camouflage on the bumpers.

The iX5 and this M70 variant should arrive next year in time to battle Porsche’s first ever Cayenne Electric and give existing electric SUVs like the Lotus Eletre a hard time. But the good news for combustion fans is that both the BMW and Porsche will also be available in ICE forms, and even Lotus is working on a hybrid version of the Eletre in response to a slowdown in luxury EV uptake and steep tariffs.

Photos SHProshots

BMW builds some of the finest motorcycles on the planet, including the retro-themed R 12 S and the all-conquering M 1000 RR. However, one of its latest bikes, the CE 02 is quite unlike any other. First introduced a couple of years ago, it’s compact, all-electric, and certainly looks the part. Now, an even sweeter version has been introduced, although it’ll likely remain a one-off.

This particular CE 02 was born from a collaboration with Deus Ex Machina, the Australian brand that started out selling clothing, then pivoted to motorcycle customizing, and has since expanded into music and live events through Deus Records.

Read: BMW Motorrad Teamed Up With Some Of Canada’s Best Builders On Three Custom R 18 Bikes

The bike, known as the BMW Motorrad x Deus, is essentially a mobile DJ booth on two wheels, so it’d be perfect for cruising down Santa Monica pier in the summer. That’s if you could buy it, of course.

Deus was tasked with creating a new leather saddle for the CE 02 and has installed four compact Marshall speakers and a foldable DJ turntable. Are you a born performer who gets the urge to start playing music and entertaining at the drop of a hat? Well, an electric bike like this would be perfect.

BMW is currently touring the bike around France and will display it at various BMW Motorrad dealerships. Additionally, it will be showcased at Deus Ex Machina boutiques across the country.

As mentioned, this special version of the CE 02 won’t be offered to shoppers, but it could serve as inspiration for owners who want to customize their own electric bikes.

The CE 02 You Can Actually Buy

If you’re looking to buy a CE 02, it starts at $7,599 in the States. Officially labeled as an electric scooter, it’s designed to be straddled like a motorcycle. It’s powered by a single electric motor that comes in two versions: 5 hp and 15 hp. The more powerful version goes from 0 to 30 mph (48 km/h) in just 3.0 seconds.

The flagship model tops out at a modest 59 mph (95 km/h) and is equipped with two lithium-ion batteries that have a combined capacity of 1.96 kWh, giving it a range of around 59 miles (95 km). If you’re in a hurry to get back to the action, a quick charger will take it from 0 to 80% in 180 minutes. That’s plenty of time to grab a bite at a local food truck while you wait.

While a number of automakers overestimated demand for EVs, BMW seems to have gotten things mostly right as they offer a mix of gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles. Chairman Oliver Zipse recently acknowledged this as he said the company has “the right products on the market at the right time.”

This has worked out for the luxury brand as nearly one in five vehicles sold by the company is fully electric. However, they also have countless other options for customers who don’t want an EV.

More: Ford’s CEO Talks Tariffs And New Range-Extended Vehicles

Even more options are coming as BMW has confirmed plans to offer a production model with a hydrogen fuel cell in 2028. However, that might not be the only powertrain on the horizon.

Quite the opposite as a new report suggests a range-extended EV could arrive as early as 2026. German outlet Automobilwoche reports that the powertrain will be offered on a version of the iX5, known as the iX5 REx, and could have a combined range of around 621 miles (1,000 km).

SHProshots

Little else is known about the powertrain at this point, but it’s said to be under consideration for multiple markets including China, Europe, and North America. BMW was tight-lipped when asked about the report by Auto News, but the company didn’t deny it as a spokesperson said “We continuously analyze usage patterns, customer needs, and market developments and review the market potential of various technologies.”

While range-extended powertrains fell out of favor with many automakers in the push to go fully electric, they’ve been experiencing a bit of a resurgence. Ram introduced the 1500 Ramcharger in 2023 and CEO Tim Kuniskis recently said he expects other brands to “chase it.”

That already seems to be playing out as Scout will offer a range-extended powertrain and Ford CEO Jim Farley recently came out praising range-extended models. Jeep is also said to be cooking up a range-extended version of the Wagoneer, although we haven’t heard much about it in the wake of Ramcharger delays.

While EVs have generally been gaining popularity across the United States over the past couple of years, April wasn’t such a good month for them. New EV registrations fell 4.4 percent, marking the first dip after 14 consecutive months of growth. The slide was led by notable declines from several automakers, including Tesla, Ford, and Hyundai.

Read: Kia Sold Just 37 EV9s In May, But A Gas Sedan Is On Fire

According to data from S&P Global Mobility, which excludes gasoline-electric hybrid models, a total of 97,833 new EVs were registered in the US in April. This means that EVs accounted for 6.6 percent of total registrations, falling from the 7.4 percent share they had in April 2024. A number of factors could be at play here.

At the same time, overall light vehicle sales, regardless of powertrain, grew by 7.2 percent in April to approximately 1.5 million units.

Speaking to Autonews, S&P Global Mobility analyst Tom Libby, said that beyond the usual range anxiety and charging concerns, “consumers are seeing media reports that government support for EVs is on the chopping block and automaker investments in the technology are slowing, undermining confidence in a product that doesn’t yet have significant organic demand”.

“The increases in the prior months have been weak, so I think there is an ongoing trend of weakening in the EV market,” Libby told Auto News. “We’ll have to watch where it goes, but there’s a lot of influences working against EVs right now.”

The Winners And Losers

Tesla remains the largest seller of EVs in the United States. In April, 39,913 new Tesla models were registered across the country, representing a 16 percent decline from April 2024. In second place was Chevrolet with a total of 9,160 registrations. It bucked the trend with a massive 215 percent spike, increasing its share of the EV market to 9.4 percent. This was primarily thanks to the Equinox EV with 5,424 registrations, trailing only the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.

Ford came in third with 5,534 registrations, down 33 percent from April 2024. BMW edged out Hyundai for fourth place, logging 4,812 registrations, an 8.7 percent uptick. Hyundai fell to fifth after a 25 percent drop, totaling 4,796 units.

A number of other brands saw declines, including Rivian (down 30 percent), Mercedes (down 19 percent), and Kia (down a steep 68 percent). Cadillac and Honda posted big gains, up 104 percent and 2,359 percent respectively, while Volvo jumped 263 percent. Some smaller players, like Porsche and Fiat, also recorded substantial percentage increases, albeit from far smaller volumes.

US EV SALES APRIL 2025

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).

More: BMW’s Baby M SUV Might Be Lurking Under This iX3

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.

Rising tariffs are doing more than sparking political arguments, as hey’re reshaping where, how, and even if some companies build their next-generation manufacturing hubs. While former President Trump’s trade policies have nudged a few automakers toward building more vehicles in the United States, they’ve also sent car prices climbing and stirred chaos in the global auto market.

One of the latest casualties? A $1.6 billion battery factory in South Carolina, where construction is on hold before production has even begun.

Read: EV Support In America Is Falling Faster Than Anyone Predicted

In 2023, Automotive Energy Supply Corp., better known as AESC, began constructing a battery plant in South Carolina to supply BMW with cells for its electric vehicles, including the upcoming production models based on the Neue Klasse Vision concepts, the iX3 SUV and i3 sedan..Work on the physical buildings at the site is almost complete, but efforts to install equipment and establish assembly lines have been halted.

In a memo addressed to employees that was seen by The Wall Street Journal, AESC’s chief executive for the US and Europe, Knudt Flor, said work was being paused because of “economic uncertainty arising from current federal policy and tax issues.” However, he added that “Our intent is to finish construction of the facility once stability and predictability have returned to the market.”

According to the WSJ, AESC would face a substantial tariff bill if it were to import the necessary machinery from China. Additionally, separate tariffs on steel and aluminum could hurt the battery giant.

AESC announced its South Carolina plant while Joe Biden was still President and the administration was providing huge subsidies to attract battery manufacturers to the United States. Through the Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden administration helped attract more than $130 billion in investments across the automotive sector, with many focusing on batteries for electric vehicles.

Now, many subsidies are in the firing line of Republicans. A new bill proposes ending EV battery production subsidies a year early and making them unavailable to companies with ties to certain countries, like China. Although AESC is headquartered in Japan, it is majority-owned by the Envision Group in China.

“AESC has invested over $1 billion into the Florence facility, and we anticipate being able to resume construction once circumstances stabilize,” the company told the news outlet in a statement. “AESC fully intends to meet our commitments to invest $1.6 billion and create 1,600 jobs in the coming years.”