First model of 21st century Neue Klasse is the BMW iX3

In 1962, BMW launched the Neue Klasse (New Class) – a generation of cars that would be produced over the next 10 years and take the company from financial uncertainty to premium positioning in the automobile market in the decades that followed.

63 years later, another Neue Klasse is launched, this time for a new era of electric mobility in the 21^st century. As with the 1500 model which was the first of the Neue Klasse in the 1960s, the new fully electric iX3 presented at IAA Mobility in Munich this week represents a milestone in the transformation of the BMW Group while also playing a key and foundational role in the future direction of the company.

This fully electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) gives a preview of the significant advances that BMW has made in the areas of design, electrification, driving dynamics, digitalisation and circularity – and the range of innovations and new features that will come.

Made in Hungary
The first version of the iX3 to come from the production line at a new BMW factory in Hungary from the fourth quarter of 2025 will be the iX3 50 xDrive with an output of 345 kW (469 hp)/645 Nm from dual motors and electric all-wheel drive.

From mid-2026, a variant will also be produced at the Shenyang facility in China tailored specifically to the needs and desires of customers in that market. Also during 2026, BMW will begin producing the sedan version of the Neue Klasse at its Munich factory.

It integrates 6^th generation BMW eDrive technology, offers a driving range of up to 805 kms with a new high-voltage battery. 800V technology with a maximum charging rate of 400 kW can add more than 350 kms of range in 10 minutes and recharge from 10% to 80% capacity in 21 minutes, it is claimed.

A new electronics and software architecture employs 4 high-performance computers – with more than 20 times more processing power than before – including the unique ‘Heart of Joy’ drivetrain and driving dynamics management technology with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software stack. The pioneering electronics and software architecture also manages infotainment, and basic and comfort-enhancing functions, opening up a new stratum of digital experiences.

Major technological advances offer an opportunity to introduce more significant design changes. For the new iX3, there is new design language which will be replicated across the whole of the brand’s model range in due course. Familiar elements can be seen including the signature kidney grille in a compact presentation – a big change from the ever-growing kidneys in recent models. In fact, the new model’s face has a visual connection with that of the original 1500 with its tall elongated kidneys.

BMW Panoramic iDrive
A defining element of the digital user experience within in the new BMW Panoramic iDrive This elevates intuitive operation and the driver focus to a new level. It brings together displays, geometry, and light and sound design into a holistic experience, customisable via the My Modes.

The entire system is born out of decades of experience and a user-centric design approach. Individual customer feedback, data from over 10 million connected vehicles and usability studies with more than 3,000 customers were all incorporated into the development process.

Physical controls are for the windscreen wipers, turn signal indicators, exterior mirrors, volume control, gear selector, parking brake, hazard warning lights, rear window heating and defrost function. In other words, BMW recognises that touchscreen controls are not really practical. However, other functions have been optimised for use by touch and voice command or via the multifunction steering wheel.

BMW Panoramic Vision projects information across the full width of the windscreen, from A-pillar to A-pillar. The content in the centre and on the front passenger side can be adapted to personal tastes and requirements. Key driving information appears in the driver’s field of vision, supplemented by a 3D Head-Up Display (if included) which shows integrated navigation and automated driving displays on the road with spatial depth.

EV-specific interior design
The design of the interior sets new standards in terms of modernity and digital experience. The uncluttered, reduced design is all about the clear driver focus for which BMW is renowned and comfort for all those on board. Created specifically for electric vehicles, the vehicle architecture allows for extremely generous levels of space within the cabin.

The lines of the ‘floating’  instrument panel flow directly into the large door trim panels, creating an enveloping wrap-around effect for the passengers. With its fabric surface, the instrument panel – with atmospheric backlighting – contributes to the warm and inviting atmosphere inside. Large window surfaces and the optional panoramic sunroof with climate comfort glazing generate an ambience bathed in light.

As with current models, the iX3 can be ordered with an M Sport package or M Sport package Pro. These will enhanced the dynamic looks further with Black high-gloss features for the exterior, and M Sport seats and an M steering wheel inside the car.

Customers can also choose the BMW Iconic Glow exterior package which enables an impressive sound and light sequence. The welcome sequence commences as soon as the driver approaches the vehicle and, as they take their seat, an animated greeting begins in the BMW Panoramic Vision and Central Display, spreading smoothly from the driver’s side of the cockpit to the front passenger side.

A new era for BMW
“The Neue Klasse is our biggest future project and marks a huge leap in terms of technologies, driving experience and design,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “Practically everything about it is new, yet it is also more BMW than ever. Our entire product range will benefit from the innovations of the Neue Klasse – regardless of the drive technology. What started as a bold vision has now become reality: the BMW iX3 is the first Neue Klasse model to go into series production. We are not only bringing the next generation of one of our most successful fully electric vehicles onto the road, we are launching a new era for BMW.”

BMW has delivered one million EVs since 2013