At IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich, BMW presented the new iX3 crossover, the first Neue Klasse model that introduces a new design language and a host of technological advancements enabled by BMW Group’s transformation in electrification, digitalization, and circularity. The iX3’s design and technology will shape the entire future BMW product portfolio, and the technologies of the Neue Klasse will be incorporated into 40 new models and model updates between now and 2027.

“The Neue Klasse is our biggest future-focused project and marks a huge leap forward in terms of technologies, driving experience, and design,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “Our whole product range will benefit from the innovations brought by the Neue Klasse, whichever drive system technology is employed.”

 

‘More BMW than ever’ design

The new design language, to be adopted by the brand’s entire future model line-up, is said to leverage technological advancements to enable bold design changes while retaining hallmark BMW styling cues. The company says the exterior design is defined by precise lines, highlighting all four wheels, expansive glass surfaces, and an upright front end with its signature kidney grille and twin headlights.

“The design of the Neue Klasse provides a very modern interpretation of what BMW has always stood for,” said 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.”

Paying homage to the 1960s’ Neue Klasse, the grille’s kidneys are vertically oriented. The new headlights feature vertical daytime running lights complemented by a new horizontal light signature and an optional Iconic Glow for the kidneys.

The two-box crossover is 4782 mm (188.3 in) long, 1895 mm (74.6 in) wide, and 1635 mm (64.4 in) tall on a 2897-mm (114.1-in) wheelbase. All dimensions are within about an inch of Tesla’s Model Y, except for the few-inch greater width of the Y. The aerodynamic drag coefficient is 0.24.

Large glass areas with hidden seals bring a light and open feel to the cabin. New flush door handles extend automatically when the user approaches with their BMW Digital Key.

At the rear is a heavily tapered shoulder section. Horizontal taillights have a familiar L-shape design, with individual light sources aimed at creating a sense of depth. The roofline is finished with a new spoiler featuring a central recess.

Meant to enhance the exterior experience are new acoustic and visual welcome and goodbye animations. A reduced sequence of effects is standard, while the optional BMW Iconic Glow brings additional sequences in Relaxed, Balanced, and Excited styles. These effects continue inside the cabin as occupants sit down.

 

Four superbrains and sixth-gen eDrive

The new E/E architecture, developed for all BMW Group drive system variants and model segments and making its debut in the iX3, has four “superbrain” high-performance computers for driving dynamics, automated driving, infotainment, and basic comfort functions.

A new wiring harness, divided into four zones, reduces weight by 30% compared to the technology previously used and reduces the wiring required by around 600 m (1968 ft). The new-to-BMW “smart eFuses” enable intelligent power modes for different vehicle states, contributing to improvements in the vehicle’s overall efficiency.

The “Heart of Joy” superbrain, responsible for braking, charging, energy recuperating, and steering, combined with the BMW-developed Dynamic Performance Control software stack, is said to compute all driving functions up to 10 times faster than conventional control units. It significantly improves efficiency by enabling 98% of braking energy to be recuperated.

The superbrain of automated driving optimizes human-vehicle interaction and offers 20 times more processing power than traditional units. The automaker announced earlier that it was working with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. to introduce Snapdragon Ride Pilot, the companies’ automated driving system resulting from a three-year collaborative effort.

The iX3 premieres BMW Group’s sixth-generation eDrive, which comprises more efficient electric motors, new propulsion batteries with cylindrical cells, and an 800-V E/E architecture to improve vehicle efficiency and range. With the sixth generation, there are reductions in energy losses by 40%, weight by 10%, and manufacturing costs by 20%.

The iX3 50 xDrive is powered by two electric motors consisting of a highly efficient EESM (electrically excited synchronous motor) on the rear axle and an ASM (asynchronous motor) with a compact design on the front axle. They generate a combined 350 kW and 645 N·m (476 lb·ft) for 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration in 4.9 s and an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h).

The battery pack in the iX3 50 xDrive has a usable energy content of 108.7 kW·h, enabling a provisional WLTP range at 17.9-15.1 kW·h/62 mi efficiency of 421-500 mi (678-805 km).

The use of cylindrical battery cells results in a 20% increase in energy density at the cell level and 30% faster charging speeds compared to the previous-generation eDrive’s prismatic-cell technology. Integration of the cells directly into the battery pack benefits energy density and cost efficiency, while integration of the battery into vehicle architecture as a structural component minimizes weight.

Thanks to innovative battery management technology with an integrated switching matrix, the iX3 can be charged at 400-V DC stations. A maximum charging rate of 400 kW enables the addition of up to 231 mi (372 km) of range in 10 min at an 800-V direct current (DC) rapid charging station, representing a 30% increase in charging speed compared with fifth-generation eDrive technology, while charging from 10 to 80% takes just 21 min. The iX3 50 xDrive can be charged with AC at 11 kW as standard or 22 kW with the AC Charging Professional package that also features bidirectional charging, marking its debut for the BMW brand.

 

Minimalist interior with Panoramic iDrive

The cabin puts the driver at the heart of a minimalist layout. Large windows and a full-length panoramic sunroof flood the interior with natural light.

The standard interior features Econeer seat fabrics made from recycled materials, with other sustainable surfaces reinforcing the leather-free approach. The redesigned seats have a reduced amount of plastic cladding for a better appearance.

With its fabric surface, the instrument panel, with optional atmospheric backlighting, helps curate a warm and inviting atmosphere. The steering wheel features pronounced thumb rests and multi-function buttons for intuitive operation.

Passengers benefit from noticeably increased rear legroom compared with iX3 predecessor. The luggage compartment can be increased from 520 to 1750 L (18.4 to 61.8 ft³) with the rear 40/20/40 seats folded flat, with an additional 58 L (1.7 ft³) in the frunk.

The cabin’s headlining feature is Panoramic iDrive, which redefines the user experience for intuitive, driver-focused interaction. BMW says it features “a well-judged balance” of digital functions and physical components. It was developed following a user-centric design approach, where data from over 10 million connected vehicles and usability studies from more than 3000 customers were all incorporated into its development process.

Physical controls are used for the windshield wipers, indicators, exterior mirrors, volume control, gear selector, parking brake, hazard warning lights, and the rear window heating and defrost function. Other functions are optimized for use by touch, voice command, or the multifunction steering wheel.

Panoramic iDrive brings together four central elements into a unique display and control/operation system.

The Panoramic Vision projects key driving information across the lower windshield in the driver’s field of vision. Content projected on the center and front passenger side can be customized to personal tastes and requirements.

Located above the Panoramic Vision is an optional 3D head-up display that projects integrated navigation and automated driving displays on the road with spatial depth.

The uniquely shaped “free-cut-design” central display is positioned ergonomically next to the steering wheel, with driver-side vertically arranged widgets enabling fast and direct access to frequently used functions.

The new multifunction steering wheel serves as the primary physical control point. Its button panels help driver interaction using illuminations, a textured surface, and haptic feedback.

Underpinning Panoramic iDrive is the new BMW Operating System X, which brings personalization options via the user’s BMW ID, intelligent driver assistance, extensive connectivity using the My BMW App, and future-proofing thanks to remote software updates.

Bringing together display, light, and sound design into a holistic experience, the system’s look and feel is customizable via the My Modes menu. Adding to the user experience are new driving sounds, sound effects, and sound signals of the HypersonX soundscape created specifically for the Neue Klasse.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is significantly upgraded and now includes two new voices, a new appearance for the Panoramic Vision, and additional assistance for the driver through proactive suggestions and personalized routines. In the future, LLMs (large language models) will be introduced to enable more intuitive voice interaction.

The standard-fit navigation system, BMW Maps, includes an upgrade for charging-optimized route guidance. When a DC charger is set, the iX3 automatically preconditions battery temperature for faster charging. A Max Range function can extend the range by up to 25% by limiting drive power, top speed, and some comfort functions.

The BMW ConnectedDrive Store hosts over 60 third-party apps. The range of entertainment options include music streaming apps like Spotify, in-car gaming through AirConsole, the Zoom App for video calls, and a new video streaming app that offers access to Disney+, YouTube, and various on-demand and live video platforms.

 

Circularity and CO2 reduction

With the launch of the Neue Klasse, the BMW Group has intensified its efforts to increase circularity and reduce CO2 emissions. A holistic approach was taken to minimize the product carbon footprint of the iX3—from circularity-focused product development and a supply chain optimized using secondary materials and renewable energy—for production, the vehicle’s use phase, and its subsequent recycling.

For instance, with sixth-generation eDrive and other BMW EfficientDynamics measures, the new model is 20% more efficient during its use phase compared to its predecessor.

A variety of measures ensure the product carbon footprint of the iX3 50 xDrive is 34% smaller than its predecessor over its full life cycle, as measured in CO2 equivalents over 200,000 km (124,000 mi). When using energy sourced from the European electricity mix, it will have a smaller product carbon footprint (based on overall life cycle) than a comparable combustion-engine model once it has covered around 21,500 km (13,400 mi). If the car is charged exclusively using electricity from renewable sources, it only needs 17,500 km (10,873 mi) before it reaches the same point.

About a third of the iX3 is made from secondary raw materials. Examples include the thermoplastic components for the motor compartment; the storage space under the hood and its cover, made from 30% recycled marine plastic; Econeer seat upholstery produced using 100% recycled PET textiles; and yarn containing 100% recycled materials used for the headlining and floor mats.

This circular approach is also applied during the iX3’s production phase at the new BMW Group Plant Debrecen in Hungary. Production starts in late October with the 50 xDrive variant—with others to follow, including a new entry-level model—at the newest, most innovative manufacturing facility in the company’s global production network. The company’s iFACTORY strategic vision was used for virtual planning and testing, efficient processes and structures, and the smart use of AI—with propulsion batteries assembled on site.

Debrecen is the first BMW Group car plant to rely entirely on electricity from renewable energy during normal operation. Use of electric power in the paint shop drives a reduction in CO2e emissions from iX3 production.