Asger Risom
BMW debuts its Neue Klasse EV platform with the 2026 iX3, promising cutting-edge tech, faster charging, and the highest efficiency of any BMW SUV yet.
BMW debuts its Neue Klasse EV platform with the 2026 iX3, promising cutting-edge tech, faster charging, and the highest efficiency of any BMW SUV yet.
A New Chapter Begins
BMW has unveiled the 2026 iX3, the first production model built on the Neue Klasse platform. This marks a significant shift for the brand, moving away from shared ICE-EV platforms and toward EV-dedicated architecture.
Power Meets Precision
The iX3 50 xDrive packs a twin-motor setup with 463 horsepower and 473 lb-ft of torque. It achieves 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, delivering both speed and efficiency with a projected 400-mile range.
Fastest-Charging BMW Yet
Built on BMW’s first 800-volt electrical system, the iX3 supports charging speeds up to 400 kW. That’s good for roughly 230 miles of range in just 10 minutes on a compatible DC fast charger.
Classic BMW DNA, Reimagined
While the iX3 borrows design cues from the iconic Neue Klasse cars of the 1960s, its styling is modern and aerodynamic. Expect slim kidney grilles, quad headlights, and a minimalistic, muscular shape.
A Cabin Built Around Tech
Inside, the iX3 sheds tradition. A slim display at the base of the windshield replaces the gauge cluster, while a hexagonal center touchscreen runs BMW’s new Operating System X. The iDrive knob is gone, signaling a new digital-first approach.
Superbrains Under the Hood
BMW has consolidated key vehicle functions into four high-powered control units. These “superbrains” manage everything from dynamics to driver assistance, enabling smarter, smoother integration between systems.
More Efficient, More Sustainable
BMW’s in-house electric motors ditch permanent magnets for improved sustainability. They’re 40% more efficient, 10% lighter, and 20% cheaper to produce than previous units.
Built for the Future
With support for Tesla’s NACS charging standard, bi-directional charging, and a new plant in Hungary ready to begin production in early 2026, the iX3 is a signpost of BMW’s electric ambitions.
Final Thoughts
With the 2026 iX3, BMW aims to reinvent itself once again. Like the original Neue Klasse, this model may define the next era for the brand—not just as a carmaker, but as a tech-forward mobility leader.
