BMW’s new class of vehicles is here, with the automaker announcing the launch of the first of its Neue Klasse of models, the iX3.
Production of the compact electric SUV for the Canadian market will begin in the first quarter of 2026, with the first customer deliveries expected in mid-2026.
The all-electric iX3 operates on an 800V architecture and runs on BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology.
The automaker called the iX3 a leap forward in development and a milestone in the company’s transformation process toward electrification, digitalization, and circularity.
The initial models will be the iX3 50 xDrive variants, which have a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with 463 hp and 476 lb.-ft. of torque.
BMW said the vehicle will accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and will have a top speed of 210 km/h.
What’s more, BMW is targeting an estimated driving range of 650 kilometres, and that’s by more stringent EPA standards in North America.
Models sold in North America come equipped with a North American Charging Standard charging port, allowing access to Tesla Supercharger stations.
The model also has a peak DC charging rate of 400 kW, but keep in mind you’re unlikely to find such a fast public Level 3 charger in Canada as most top out at around 320 kW, and that’s under ideal conditions.
BMW said that at charging rates of 400 kW, the iX3 50 can recharge from 10 to 80 per cent in 21 minutes.
“The Neue Klasse is our biggest future-focused project and marks a huge leap forward in terms of technologies, driving experience, and design,” said Oliver Zipse, BMW AG chairman, in a news release. “Practically everything about it is new, yet it is also more BMW than ever. Our whole product range will benefit from the innovations brought by the Neue Klasse – whichever drive system technology is employed. What started as a bold vision has now become reality: the BMW iX3 is the first Neue Klasse model to go into series production, kicking off a new era for BMW.”
The company expects to incorporate Neue Klasse technology into nearly 40 new and updated models by 2027.
Superbrain technology
Among the highlights of Neue Klasse vehicles, including the iX3, is the operation of four “superbrains” that provide intelligent and symbiotic driver support.
These computers pool their processing power for improved vehicle functions, including dynamics, automated driving, infotainment, and basic and comfort-enhancing functions, BMW said.
They also create the foundation of the next generation of software-defined vehicles.
What’s more, this new system reduces how much wiring is needed, eliminating approximately 600 metres of wires, and reduces wire weight by 30 per cent.
Technology
The 2026 iX3 is also the first BMW production model with the BMW Panoramic iDrive, which utilizes a multifunction steering wheel, the central display and an optional 3D head-up display, balancing digital functions and physical elements, with the intention that drivers are able to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant plays a role in operating vehicle functions, such as controlling the windows, air conditioning, seat settings, phone calls, entertainment and more.
The system runs on the BMW Operating System X, which the automaker said expands the digital assistant’s capability.
The assistant also learns from driver behaviour, so if the driver ignores various suggestions in certain situations, the assistant will later stop making those suggestions.
Proportions and design
The iX3 is launching BMW’s new design language, which will be incorporated into future vehicle models.
“The design of the Neue Klasse provides a very modern interpretation of what BMW has always stood for,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group design, in the release. “With our new design language, the new BMW iX3 looks future-focused, modern, and timeless – but, above all, more BMW than ever.”
The BMW iX3 is 4,782 mm long, 1,895 mm wide, and 1,646 mm tall, which is nearly identical to the proportions of the non-electric X3, which measures 4,755 mm long, 1,920 mm wide and 1,660 mm tall.
The BMW iX3 is assembled in Hungary.
Canadian pricing has not been announced yet. For updates, visit the BMW Canada website.
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