BMW iX3 NA5

BMW's Neue Klasse era commences with the all-new iX3, the first model to embody the Neue Klasse design language of the renowned German luxury carmaker. This completely new vehicle marks a significant reset for BMW, beginning a new chapter. BMW is starting anew.

2027 BMW iX3

Starting at 70,900 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new BMW iX3 is the first BMW model of the Neue Klasse era, a paradigm shift for the luxury carmaker that promises back-to-its-roots design, cutting-edge technology, and electrified performance that is becoming the new normal.

2027 BMW iX3

Starting with its design, the iX3 takes cues from the 2024 Vision Neue Klasse X Concept, exemplifying the essence of the Neue Klasse design language. Although it looks awkward, the Neue Klasse kidney grille at the front is a nostalgic nod to the original 1962 Neue Klasse model. As for the rear, it looks like BMW has taken a dramatic approach.

2027 BMW iX3 interior

The interior highlights the innovative features of the Neue Klasse technology. On the driver's side, the dashboard is complemented by a floating instrument panel that provides real-time information. This system, known as the BMW Panoramic iDrive, operates on BMW's proprietary Operating System X and can be customized through a touch screen that controls nearly all aspects of the vehicle. Additionally, it includes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which responds to voice commands when you say "Hey BMW." While this feature is convenient, the replacement of traditional buttons on the steering wheel with haptic touch panels can be frustrating.

Boasting a 2897mm wheelbase and 2093mm width, the spacing is nearly as good as the ICE-powered BMW X3 G45. As for the boot space, the iX3 can fit up to 520 litres with the rear seats present, up to 1750 litres with the passenger seats folded down. That's more than you get from the X3.

The iX3's hallmark electric powertrain is the dual-motor setup that grants it all-wheel-drive capability and a 108.7 kWh lithium battery. It produces 469PS of power and 645Nm of torque. It will go from 0-100kph in less than five seconds and flat out in 210kph. Not bad for an EV SUV with a permissible total weight of nearly three tons.

In terms of driving range, this vehicle can travel up to 805 kilometers on a full charge based on WLTP standards. At a public charging station, it will take approximately 21 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%. If you choose to charge at home, it will take about 660 minutes using an 11 kW charging station or 345 minutes with the more expensive 22 kW charging station. Like all good electric cars, the iX3 has V2L and V2H capabilities, making it useful as a secondary power source.

The Neue Klasse BMW iX3 is a remarkable vehicle, showcasing what BMW refers to as its "Heart of Joy." This feature works seamlessly with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software, creating a unique driving experience. However, the effectiveness of this experience is somewhat questionable. Additionally, the BMW Symbiotic Drive system manages the new-generation driver assistance technologies, boasting 20 times greater processing power than previous versions. These advanced "superbrains" demonstrate that AI is increasingly integrated into the driving experience, which raises some concerns.

With the introduction of the Neue Klasse BMW iX3, BMW is embarking on a new journey, as they have stated. Featuring a design that harkens back to its roots, along with advanced technology and electrified performance, BMW has indeed pressed the reset button as it welcomes a new era with this vehicle.

Available Colors: Alpinweiβ uni, M Brooklyn Grau metallic, Spacesilber metallic, Fire Red metallic, Eucalyptus Grun metallic, Polarized Grau metallic, Saphirschwarz metallic, Ocean Wave Blau metallic, and Frozen Space Silver metallic.

Photo: BMW AG

BMW iX3

Using every knowhow learned from the i3 hatchback and the now-defunct i8 supercar, BMW created an all-electric crossover that runs on the same skin as the current-generation X3. The result is the first-ever iX3 and let's investigate more about BMW's first fully electric crossover that takes an aiming stance on the Tesla Model Y and other electric crossovers in its size.

2021 BMW iX3

The first-ever BMW iX3, starting at 66,300 Euros plus additional costs, maybe more of a cheaper alternative to the likes of the Mercedes EQC and the Audi e-Tron electric crossovers but unlike the big two, the iX3 is a different kind of electric crossover that is all about getting the job done from the first hour of its drive all the way through its zero hour and then it needs to be charged in half an hour via a 150kW DC charging station (or 450 minutes at home) before setting off again.

Similar to the Audi e-tron crossover that runs on the same skin as the Audi Q3, the iX3 runs on the same bits and bobs as the X3 G01, meaning it looks and feels like your basic X3, inside and out, not to mention the boot space nearly similar to the X3's but the iX3 features blue accents, the silly faux kidney grille, lower center of gravity compared to the normal X3, and that's about it, making it easy to tell from the normal X3 when parked alongside it. Yes, there are speedo boy-scaring advanced driving aids similar to the X3 as well. in case you forgot.

The iX3's all-electric, zero-emission, powertrain, the one without Rare Earth Materials, highly integrated with a lone gear, 400V, and 74kWh li-ion battery, generates a power output of 210kW of power output and 400Nm of torque, making it capable of a 0-100kph sprint of less than seven seconds and about as fast as a normal Japanese car on Japanese roads, thank you very much, so on paper, it's not exactly as quick as the e-tron but in terms of driving range, the iX3 can last 120km more than the e-tron. Again, thank you very much.

To please most BMW drivers, the iX3 runs on a rear-wheel drivetrain but it's drifter because the rear-wheel drivertrain is made to balance this crossover out but don't mind about that because thanks to its low center of gravity, it's about as enjoyable to drive as a 3-Series, well almost.

The iX3, because it's rear-wheel drive, is not worthy of being taken to the great outdoors if you're itching for dirt but because of its impressive driving range that will upset Audi and the rear-wheel drive layout that makes it almost dynamic, it could be the all-electric crossover you want to keep for a price to pay.

Photo: BMW