New Class: The New BMW iX3 Next Generation Car

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BMW iX3

 BMW today unveiled the new BMW iX3, the first vehicle in the New Class, ahead of the IAA. With it, the company is revamping everything, from the design to the drivetrain, battery, and infotainment to assistance systems and more.

BMW iX3 40 new models and model updates until 2027

The first vehicle in the new class is intended to give the impression that a complete generation of vehicles has been skipped. For once, everything was new, better and more efficient was the claim of the developers, who with the iX3 just want to mark the beginning of a new era in the company. By 2027, the technologies of the new class are to be integrated into a total of 40 new models and model updates.

BMW iX3 starts at 68,900 euros

But today, in the run-up to the IAA, it is the turn of the new iX3, which BMW plans to launch on the market in Europe in spring 2026 and in the USA in summer 2026. In the summer of 2026, a variant tailored to the wishes and needs of customers in China will also follow. The base price for the BMW iX3 50 xDrive in Germany is 68,900 euros (gross).

SAV makes the beginning of the New Class

In return, buyers will receive a 4,782 × 1,895 × 1,635 mm (L × W × H) Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) with an empty weight of 2,285 kg, a payload of 540 kg, a luggage compartment volume of 520 l as standard and a "frunk" under the "bonnet" with an additional 58 l storage volume.

Automated driving with Qualcomm

In a further system, all functions of automated driving and parking are bundled. For "automated driving", BMW relies on the cooperation with Qualcomm. BMW also offers the highway assistant known from the 5 series and 7 Series in the iX3 and supplements it with a city assistant in the new model. On the highway, the iX3 allows driving to level 2+ in order to permanently take your hands off the steering wheel at speeds up to 130 km / h. The responsibility remains entirely with the driver, unlike at level 3, the driver may not devote himself to any secondary activities. The assistant not only takes over the vehicle guidance within its own lane, but can also automatically change lanes if necessary – a visual confirmation from the driver is sufficient. In the city, the City assistant offers traffic light detection including automated stopping and starting.

Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X

The third computer is responsible for the infotainment, which is characterized in the iX3 by the Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X. The "Panoramic Vision" display in the lower area of the windshield, which extends from A-pillar to A-pillar, is the most striking feature. Relevant information for the journey is displayed in the driver's visual axis, individual widgets can be stored in the center and on the passenger's side, which can be selected via the central display. The LC screen of the center console is oriented in the direction of the driver and relies on a mini LED backlight for a better contrast ratio. An optional 3D head-up display for the driver above the Panoramic Vision is available, which is designed to display information about navigation and automated driving.

Features such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also offered. The Digital Key Plus (test) is standard on the iX3 in order to be able to use a smartphone with Android or iOS and UWB support as a key. The BMW Operating System X is based on Android without Google services and is intended to offer more than 60 third-party apps from categories such as music and audio, entertainment, gaming, news, travel and local. BMW highlights apps such as Spotify, YouTube and Disney+. The prerequisite for downloading and using the apps is connectivity via BMW Digital Premium or a connection to a Wi-Fi network or smartphone hotspot.

In a fourth computer, all the basic functions of the vehicle are processed together, including, for example, vehicle access, the aspects of climate and comfort, interior and exterior lighting, data flow and data processing as well as remote software upgrades (RSU).

600 Meters less cable

The new electronics architecture also includes a wiring harness divided into four zones. This has a 30 percent reduced weight and around 600 meters less cable than the technology used so far. Another innovation is the digital "smart eFuses", which are used instead of fuses. According to BMW, they enable intelligent power modes for different vehicle states and are intended to increase overall efficiency.

The new design language for all future models

The technology, which has been renewed in every area, is packed by BMW with an equally new design language, which is to be transferred to the entire model range of the company in the future. What you get to see here at the iX3 is therefore sooner or later in store for all BMW vehicles. After the front of BMW vehicles has always been polarized over the past few years, this is again the focus of attention for the new Class. The "sculpturally shaped" BMW kidney grille is vertically oriented in reference to the new Class of the 1960s. Instead of chrome, a new light signature should ensure a high-quality appearance.

In the side view, the company relies on generous areas divided by a few lines. Glass surfaces and door handles are integrated flush. The rear is characterized by rear lights protruding far into the center, which should provide a horizontal interpretation of the BMW-typical L-shape. Directly at the market launch, the iX3 can optionally be equipped with an M-Sport package as well as an M-Sport Package Pro. In addition to high-gloss black trim on the exterior, the appearance is complemented by M-sport seats and the M-steering wheel. BMW places the iX3 as standard on 20-inch rims with 255/45 tires, optionally rims in 21 and 22 inches are offered.