BMW will unveil the 'BMW New iX3', the first mass-production model of the Neue Klasse, at the IAA Mobility 2025 event in Munich, Germany.
The Neue Klasse refers to the core values and vision that open up BMW's new future in all aspects related to mobility, including technology, driving experience, and design. The name 'Neue Klasse' was first used in the 1960s to describe a symbolic product line that led BMW's innovations, and it has been revived as a symbol of new technological innovations and the transition of times with the launch of the New iX3. Technologies showcased through BMW's heritage and the Neue Klasse are expected to be gradually introduced into a total of 40 new and partial modification models by 2027.
The BMW New iX3 is a milestone symbolizing BMW's transformation and is a purely electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) model that allows for a completely new era of 'Sheer Driving Pleasure.' It has achieved significant progress in all fields, with a new design language that faithfully conveys technological advances, the latest 6th generation BMW eDrive system, a new high-voltage battery using cylindrical cells, and advanced electronic and software architecture including four 'super brains' that provide a different level of user experience.
Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the BMW Group, noted that "the Neue Klasse is BMW's most core future project, representing a significant leap in technology, driving experience, and design," adding, "While everything has become new, it is more BMW than ever." He also explained that "the BMW New iX3 symbolizes the new era that BMW is about to open, not just the next model of the most successful BMW brand's pure electric vehicle."
The exterior design of the BMW New iX3 modernly reinterprets BMW's unique design language, implementing the values and characteristics aimed for by the Neue Klasse in the form of an SAV. The new BMW kidney grille, which inherits the vertical design of the Neue Klasse from the 1960s, plays a central role in the front design, along with BMW's distinctive twin headlights. Additionally, the lighting elements at the front provide a luxurious and sophisticated atmosphere, replacing the role previously handled by chrome decorations.
The side profile emphasizes the four wheels through wide body surfaces and precise lines crossing them, completing the powerful presence characteristic of BMW X models through the two-box design. At the rear, the unique 'L' shaped design of BMW is interpreted in a horizontal form, with rear lights stretching from either end toward the center.
The interior has been implemented as an ideal space for a digital experience through a clean and simple design. The floating dashboard line connects to the door trim, creating an atmosphere that seems to wrap around the passengers. The completely new steering wheel design and the free-cut design of the central display complete the modern interior ambiance and are positioned ergonomically in an ideal location for intuitive operation.
The BMW New iX3 is the first mass-production model to apply the 'BMW Panoramic iDrive.' The BMW Panoramic iDrive consists of four key elements: the 'BMW Panoramic Vision' spread across the lower sides of the front windshield A-pillars, the BMW 3D head-up display, the central display, and the new multifunction steering wheel, balancing digital functions with physical operating elements for more intuitive functionality. This perfectly implements BMW's principle of keeping "hands on the wheel, eyes on the road" and its driver-centered philosophy.
In particular, the BMW Panoramic Vision projects various information across the entire lower front windshield from the driver's side A-pillar to the passenger's side A-pillar, delivering it to the passengers. Key driving-related information is displayed within the driver's field of view, while content exposed to the center and passenger side can be customized according to the needs or preferences of the passengers. The BMW 3D head-up display projects navigation information or driver assistance system screens spatially onto the road.
BMW will also showcase the 6th generation BMW eDrive technology developed for the Neue Klasse through the New iX3 for the first time. This technology includes a completely new high-voltage battery utilizing cylindrical cells along with a high-efficiency electric motor, and 800V technology. The BMW New iX3 50 xDrive, powered by two motors, delivers a combined maximum output of 469 horsepower and a combined maximum torque of 65.8 kg·m (645 Nm), accelerating from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.
The new high-voltage battery equipped in the BMW New iX3 has enhanced overall efficiency by utilizing cylindrical cells. First, the energy density at the cell level is 20% higher compared to the 5th generation BMW eDrive technology, and the charging speed is approximately 30% faster. These battery cells are directly integrated into the battery pack using the 'cell to pack' method, contributing to improved energy density and expense efficiency. Additionally, the high-voltage battery pack is integrated structurally into the body using the 'pack to open body' method, minimizing body weight.
The newly unveiled BMW New iX3 50 xDrive is equipped with a high-voltage battery with a capacity of 108.7 kWh and can travel up to a maximum of 805 km according to WLTP standards. The high-voltage battery supports ultra-fast charging of up to 400 kW, allowing it to secure a maximum driving range of 372 km in just 10 minutes using an 800V DC rapid charger. It can also be charged from 10% to 80% in 21 minutes.
The newly developed electronic architecture of the Neue Klasse consists of four high-performance computers referred to as 'super brains.' These computers integrate processing power for driving dynamics, autonomous driving, infotainment, and essential/convenience functions. At the same time, they provide a foundation for a new software architecture that supports continuous feature updates.
Among them, the super brain responsible for drivetrain and driving dynamics management is called the 'Heart of Joy.' The Heart of Joy, which manages the drivetrain, braking, energy recovery, and steering subfunctions, has processing capabilities up to 10 times faster than existing control devices. This enables the maximization of the potential for electric mobility, facilitating instant output delivery, smooth power transfer, agility, stability, and efficiency.
Thanks to this, drivers and all occupants of the BMW New iX3 can experience the uniquely harmonious driving feel characteristic of BMW at any situation and speed. Every movement of the vehicle in response to the operation of the accelerator pedal, brake pedal, and steering device occurs instantaneously, providing high levels of reliability and precision. The innovative Soft Stop function allows for extremely smooth deceleration and stopping while optimizing the efficiency of the new BMW iX3 by managing the brake system and energy recovery in an integrated manner. During everyday driving, 98% of braking is done without using friction brakes, relying solely on regenerative braking.
In addition, the BMW New iX3 not only embodies eco-friendly mobility but has also introduced a comprehensive sustainability concept throughout its product development phase, supply chain, production, and usage stages, reducing its carbon footprint. The overall carbon footprint during the entire lifecycle of the BMW New iX3 50 xDrive is approximately 34% lower compared to the previous generation, which is achieved through proactive use of secondary raw materials, carbon footprint reduction in the supply chain, production processes that do not use fossil fuels, and excellent energy efficiency of the powertrain.
[OSEN]