The new iX3, the first of BMW's New class vehicles, marks the start of a daring new age in design, technology, driveability, and production techniques.
The new electric SUV, which was first teased by the New class X concept in 2023, will make its public debut at the Munich Motor Show after four years of development and a £17 billion investment. The company considers it to be one of its most significant model debuts to date.
An important turning point in BMW's electric goals has been reached with the release of the iX3. The SUV introduces a completely new style that is said to be "more BMW than ever." It will have a direct impact on the brand's upcoming 40 models.
"The task was to create a design language that is both brand new and appealing to people who don't know us as well as to people who do know us — but also one that can be traced back to our history, to the '70s, even to the '60s," Adrian van Hooydonk, design boss for the BMW Group, told Autocar. That is intentional.
Notably, the front of the new iX3 is redesigned to resemble Neue Klasse cars from the 1960s and 1970s, doing away with the controversially huge kidney grille of the previous era. In an effort to be more ecologically conscious, the kidneys are also lit rather than highlighted in chrome.
Van Hooydonk claimed that the headlamps and thin kidney grilles, which are "contained as one graphical unit," are a reference to the BMW 2002 "Sharknose."
"So in the future, when we come with more New class cars, each of them will be instantly recognisable," he continued, adding that each New class model will have its own "unique" light signature. According to van Hooydonk, for instance, the iX3's grille is placed vertically, while the future i3s will be horizontal. The new SUV is comparable in size to the upcoming electric Porsche Macan and Audi Q6 E-tron, measuring 4782 mm in length, 1895 mm in width, and 1635 mm in height.
A NEW PLATFOM
The new iX3 is the first model to utilize the Gen6 platform, a cleansheet design developed by the BMW Group that is reportedly a "quantum leap forward" in terms of technology when compared to current models.
The iX3 will only be available at debut in 50 xDrive configuration, which uses a brand-new 108kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery to provide power. Compared to the modules (consisting of square cells) present in today's Gen5 packs, this uses cylindrical cells, which are 20% denser and simpler to package.
Efficiency rises by 20%, charging speeds by 30%, and range by 30%. Additionally, the new cells might save up to 50% on production costs.
Consequently, the 50 xDrive surpasses the Mercedes-Benz CLA as the longest-range EV available in the UK with a WLTP range of 500 miles. This is true even if power is delivered by two motors instead of one, which isn't usually the most effective configuration. When a more efficient single-motor, rear-drive entry-level model is released the following year, range should rise even more.
The architecture of the iX3 also contributes to the remarkable range figure. It is the most aerodynamic mid-size SUV available, according to BMW, thanks to its streamlined bodywork and drag coefficient of 0.24. Additionally, the iX3 boasts custom tires that are said to increase range by 25 miles by 12% by lowering rolling resistance.
The SUV can reach 62 mph in 4.9 seconds because to the 50 xDrive's two excited synchronous motors, which provide 464 horsepower and 479 lb ft of torque. The maximum speed is limited to 130 mph.
BMW has concentrated on providing handling characteristics that are distinctive of the iX3. The new "Heart of Joy" digital nervous system, which regulates every aspect of driving, is essential to this. However, van Hoydook emphasized that it is "not a computer on wheels" and "built for driving."
The iX3 employs pack-to-open-body construction, which is another first for BMW, as the packs are fastened straight to the chassis. It is claimed that this improves vehicle integration, lowers weight, saves money on parts, and increases structural integrity.
Interior space is also increased by the new construction technique. BMW has made the unique decision to bolt the iX3's front seats straight to the battery pack. In order to improve aerodynamics, this also keeps the car as low as possible.
The cabin's simple design idea is carried over from the exterior. It was first seen earlier this year and is centered around a 17.9-inch infotainment screen that runs BMW's most recent iDrive software and contains controls for the majority of the car's features.
The new "panoramic iDrive" display is another first. Located directly beneath the driver's eyeline, this 43.3-inch projection spans the length of the dashboard and shows important information including the vehicle's speed and charge level.
According to van Hooydonk, "integrating the panoramic vision display and getting it just right were some of the biggest challenges."
Another modification is the addition of haptic controls to the new steering wheel.
With the seats up, the boot holds 520 liters, and when they are folded down, it holds 1750 liters. Additionally, there is a 78-liter storage area beneath the engine.
The BMW facility in Debrecen, Hungary, will produce the iX3. The 50 xDrive M Sport Pro will retail for £62,755 in the UK, while the 50 xDrive will start at £58,755. Early next year will see the start of the first deliveries.
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