The new BMW iX3 isn’t just the firm’s new electric SUV – it’s a marker of the firm’s next chapter. As the first model built on BMW’s all-new Neue Klasse architecture, it represents a complete rethink in how the company designs, engineers and builds its electric vehicles.
But the remarkable thing about the iX3 is just how natural it feels. From the first few miles, you sense this is a car with deeply polished dynamics and that never feels fussy or contrived. It may be revolutionary underneath, but from behind the wheel, it’s also familiar – in a good way.
BMW is betting big on Neue Klasse. This car will inform not just the next iX3, but an entire family of future models, including the all-electric replacement for the 3 Series. Arguably, this is the most important BMW in two decades.
What’s new?
Everything about the iX3 is fresh. This is BMW’s sixth generation of electric car, following on from early experiments like the Mini E and 1 Series Coupe ActiveE, to more recent offerings such as the i3, i4, and iX SUV. But while those cars were based on ICE platforms or shared platforms, the iX3 is the first to use a clean-sheet, electric-first platform – Neue Klasse.
A key part of the package is a new computer architecture. At the heart of this is something BMW calls the ‘Heart of Joy,’ a central brain that brings together the car’s dynamics, infotainment, driver assistance and climate control systems. These are driven by four powerful processors that communicate far faster than traditional wiring looms, ditching the industry-standard CANBUS system in the process.
The result, BMW claims, is more coordinated, more responsive, and ultimately more enjoyable control of the car.
What’s it like inside?
Camouflage meant that much of the trim and finish remained hidden, but the layout and tech clearly signal a major step forward. The Panoramic Vision display may sound gimmicky, but in practice it’s extremely effective. Because it sits low on the windscreen and has a longer focal length, it’s easy on the eyes – far more so than the more intrusive passenger screens seen in rivals.
Directly ahead, you’ll see your speed, battery state of charge and remaining range. Spread across the rest of the strip are six configurable tiles – which can include an ETA tile for rear passengers, weather updates, or music info. It’s minimal, modern, and actually useful.
There’s also a more traditional head-up display in a portrait format, which works in tandem with Panoramic Vision. Rather than competing, the two displays complement each other well, giving you navigation and driving data.
The touchscreen next to the wheel is now better organised, with shortcut buttons for key functions like turning off the speed warning. Rear space is generous, with knee room on a par with an X5, while boot space is similar to today’s X3, which makes it practical for family use.
What’s it like to drive?
Very reassuring, actually – and surprisingly familiar. For a car that introduces so much new tech, the BMW iX3 feels refreshingly natural from behind the wheel. It rides well, corners with confidence, and never feels like it’s trying too hard to impress. BMW has clearly put effort into making the iX3 feel like, well, a BMW.
The suspension uses passive dampers and steel springs – no air suspension here – yet it handles lumps and bumps with real polish. It smooths out speed bumps cleanly, stays composed over rougher roads and avoids the floaty, disconnected feel you sometimes get in big electric SUVs. That said, there’s a touch of firmness at lower speeds, especially on broken urban surfaces.
Cornering is tidy and controlled, and the steering in Sport mode has a weight and directness that’ll feel familiar if you’ve driven other BMWs. You won’t confuse it for a sports car, but it’s noticeably more agile than rivals like the Audi Q6 E-Tron or Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.
Regenerative braking is a standout. Most of the slowing down is handled by the motors, rather than the brakes, and it’s incredibly smooth – no sudden lurches or snatching. You can enable one-pedal driving if you want, but most drivers will be perfectly happy in the standard setting, which blends regeneration and braking beautifully.
BMW’s new driver assistance systems are also a step forward. Lane Keeping Assist is much less intrusive than before, and there’s even a camera that checks if you’re paying attention, helping the car decide when to assist and when to back off. Hands-free driving in traffic and on motorways is supported too, although it still takes some getting used to.
In short, the iX3 manages to be clever without being complicated, and that’s exactly what most drivers will want.
What models and trims are available?
BMW hasn’t confirmed all the final details yet, but what we do know is promising, especially if you do long journeys or rely on public charging. At launch, the iX3 will come with a dual-motor setup and all-wheel drive, giving it strong performance and extra traction in bad weather. A more affordable rear-wheel drive version will follow, which should appeal to company car drivers or those looking to keep costs down.
The iX3 uses BMW’s brand-new 800-volt electrical system, which supports ultra-rapid charging at up to 400kW. That’s one of the fastest charging rates we’ve seen from a European manufacturer. Speaking of range, BMW is targeting up to 500 miles on a full charge. That would put it right at the top of the class, meaning you could easily do a week’s commuting or a family holiday with far fewer charging stops.
There’s clever stuff going on under the skin, too, but in ways that benefit the driver. The iX3 uses new cylindrical battery cells (like Tesla), which are more efficient and help the car go farther on a charge. They’re also arranged to make the car’s structure stiffer and the cooling simpler, which boosts comfort and safety. In short, BMW is promising faster charging, longer range and stronger performance.
What else should I know?
BMW hasn’t announced UK pricing or trim levels yet, but we expect multiple variants including the dual-motor model seen here and a more affordable RWD version later. Pricing will likely land above the current iX3, positioning it against high-end EV SUVs.
Key rivals include the Tesla Model Y, which is quicker and cheaper, but less refined – and the Audi Q6 E-Tron, which aims for similar tech-led polish.
Should you (wait and) buy the new BMW iX3?
The biggest surprise about the BMW iX3 isn’t the cutting-edge tech or bold new display setup. It’s how relaxed and composed the whole package feels. From the ride comfort to the intelligent assistance systems, this car doesn’t scream for attention. It simply works – and works very well.
In reinventing the EV from the ground up, BMW hasn’t tried to dazzle with gimmicks. It’s built a car that feels instantly familiar and deeply capable – the kind of vehicle you could step into today and drive without ever needing a manual. That’s a remarkable achievement for a prototype.
We don’t yet know how much it’ll cost, and that could be a sticking point. But from a driving and engineering perspective, BMW’s Neue Klasse gamble looks to be paying off handsomely. The iX3 feels like a quiet revolution – and one that will shape the brand’s future for the next decade.
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