What is it?
BMW is making one of its most significant changes to its lineup with the introduction of the 2026 iX3, the first model of the long-anticipated Neue Klasse. The Neue Klasse brings an entirely new take on BMW design, digital features, sustainability, and electric performance, all representing the future of the German brand. The iX3 compact crossover will pave the way for 40 new models and model updates planned between now and 2027.

Future-Focused
“The Neue Klasse is our biggest future-focused project and marks a huge leap forward in terms of technologies, driving experience, and design,” says 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 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 New iX3
When the 2026 iX3 arrives early next year, it will be initially offered as the iX3 50 xDrive. The compact crossover SUV features an advanced new EV powertrain with dual electric motors for standard all-wheel drive. A single-motor rear-wheel drive model will arrive later, likely followed by a range of high-performance variants.

Similar Size to X3
While the iX3 has a unique look, it’s similar in size to the current BMW X3. However, its dedicated electric platform allows for better use of interior space, so the new iX3 feels larger on the inside.

All-New Look for BMW
“The design of the Neue Klasse provides a very modern interpretation of what BMW has always stood for,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design. “With our new design language, the new BMW iX3 looks future-focused, modern, and timeless – but, above all, more BMW than ever.”

Exterior Design
The new iX3 is clearly identifiable as a BMW, but it has unique design elements that should carry on with the forthcoming Neue Klasse models. Up front, the iconic kidney grille looks embedded in the bodywork, and can be highlighted with optional illumination. After the grille seemed to grow with every new model from BMW, it’s nice to see it reduced to a more appropriate size. Large air intakes give the iX3 a wide, sporty stance, further accentuated by the new headlight design. The BMW roundel also gets a new look, mounted just above the kidney at the front of the hood.

Bold Look
From the rear, the bold wheel arches are more noticeable as the vehicle body tapers in for a more aerodynamic shape. The slim, horizontal taillights feature light coming through several levels for a 3D look, and the overall shape adds to the BMW’s broad presence. A roof spoiler is standard, and it dips in the middle to mimic the valley that dissects the hood. Standard 20-inch alloy wheels add to the overall sport style.

Advanced Electric Powertrain
The 6th-generation eDrive dual-motor system that powers the new iX3 delivers 463 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque. Expect a quick 0-60 mph time of an estimated 4.7 seconds with a 130 mph top speed. The system features an upgraded Electrically Excited Synchronous Motor (EESM) driving the rear wheels while a new Asynchronous Motor (ASM) powers the front wheels. The advanced system reduces energy loss by 40 percent compared to the previous generation. It also drops the overall weight by 10 percent, with manufacturing cost down by 20 percent.

Battery Efficiency
Power comes from newly configured lithium-ion cylindrical cells that are 20 percent more energy dense, and the pack is integrated into the vehicle structure to minimize overall weight and lower the center of gravity. BMW estimates that this new battery pack will give the iX3 50 a range of up to 400 miles.

New Electric Architecture
With the new eDrive technology and updated battery, the new iX3 can take advantage of an 800V DC charging station and accept a rate as high as 400kW. At this rate, the new EV should be able to add around 175 miles of driving range in a very quick 10 minutes, and in 21 minutes, the battery can move from 10% to 80%. The iX3 can also be charged at a 400V charger, or alternatively, it can pull up to 19.2 kW with the available BMW Wallbox Professional home charging system. A NACS charging port is standard, as is a CCS adaptor, providing multiple public charging options.

Bi-Directional Charging
The iX3 also comes with bi-directional charging, allowing it to operate like a mobile power generator. Putting out 3.7 kW,  it can be used to provide power to a campsite or house, and can even charge another electric vehicle.

Four Superbrains
Four high-performance computers, or superbrains as BMW calls them, are used to operate the new electronics architecture. These processors manage driving dynamics, automated driving, infotainment, comfort-enhancing functions, and offer the capability for future advanced features. Eventually, all BMWs will receive this upgrade. As part of this new system, more than 2000 feet of wiring has been eliminated, reducing weight by 30 percent.

Heart of Joy
The processor responsible for the advanced drivetrain and driving dynamics is called the “Heart of Joy” – a name that sounds more Japanese than German. Processing information ten times as quickly as a conventional control unit, the Heart of Joy handles brakes, energy recuperation, steering functions, and power delivery. With the ability to analyze all driving parameters with much more speed and precision, the system can adjust acceleration, braking, traction, and steering to deliver the ideal performance for the situation.

Inner space
As will likely be the case with future models of the Neue Klasse, the iX3 features a clean, uncluttered cabin with minimal physical controls; however, I was pleased to see a roller switch for adjusting volume. The center console features a wireless phone charger, dual USB-C ports, and cupholders within easy reach of the driver and front passenger.

Seating for Five
Taking advantage of the BMW’s electric vehicle architecture, the interior is spacious with good room for front and rear passengers. Front seats feature a new style designed to improve comfort for long drives, with thick padding, good lateral support, and multiple power adjustments. Seats are trimmed in perforated Veganza (synthetic leather) with the option of upgrading to M PerformTex or Merino leather.

BMW Panoramic iDrive
BMW iDrive has come a long way since it was first introduced 25 years ago in the 7 Series, evidenced by the all-new Panoramic iDrive in the iX3. Built on BMW Operating System X, Panoramic iDrive uses the Panoramic Vision display, 17.9-inch central touchscreen display, multifunction steering wheel, and available 3D head-up display to bring a new focus on the ideal, “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road.” Vehicle and infotainment functions have been optimized to operate via the touchscreen, voice, and steering wheel controls. BMW says this advanced system will be utilized in every new and updated vehicle starting next year.

BMW Panoramic Vision
Perhaps the most unique aspect of the Neue Klasse vehicles is the new Panoramic Vision display. Projected directly onto the lower portion of the windshield, the display stretches from pillar to pillar, providing information for both driver and front passenger. Content can be personalized via the central display, with space to choose up to six information widgets, but the pertinent driver information remains directly in the driver’s line of sight.

Central Display
Those who have been in a BMW before will find the interface on the large 17.9-inch central touchscreen display familiar. The navigation map remains constant in the background, while configurable widgets appear on the left side of the screen. There’s also quick access to oft-used features like media, navigation, and communications.

3D Head-Up Display
Projected on the windshield above the Panoramic Vision display, the optional 3D head-up display integrates navigation and driver information directly in the driver’s field of vision. Designed to provide the correct information at the right time, the display can even show upcoming curves in the road as well as graphics for the automated driving systems.

Driver Assist
The BMW iX3 will come standard with Active Driving Assistant Plus, which includes adaptive cruise control with stop/go, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian protection, and active blind spot detection. Upgrading to the Driving Assistant Professional package adds Highway Assist, providing hands-free driving up to 85 mph on limited-access multilane highways. Also included is BMW’s active lane change system – when the iX3 approaches a slower vehicle, it will notify the driver that a lane change is available. The BMW will change lanes automatically once the driver provides confirmation by glancing in the appropriate side mirror.

Coming Next Year
The 2026 BMW iX3 will be produced at the all-new BMW Group plant in Debrecen, Hungary, with U.S. deliveries beginning in the summer of 2026. Expect prices to start around $60,000.

What Comes Next?
Shortly after the iX3 arrives, look for the all-new i3 to arrive, introducing the Neue Klasse design and technology elements to the heart of the BMW lineup, the 3 Series.