While a competent EV, the outgoing BMW iX3 was essentially the previous-generation X3 that’s powered by electricity. That’s not the case anymore with the second-generation model. It rides on a different platform from the X3 that’s sitting in showrooms right now, allowing it to get its own unique design.
But the iX3 isn’t just a new EV from BMW. The all-new model is the first recipient of the brand’s Neue Klasse philosophy, setting the design direction for the brand in the coming years. It’s not just in terms of looks, either. The Neue Klasse philosophy behind the iX3 will also be the driving force for future interior design, technologies, driving dynamics, and powertrain.
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For its styling, the iX3 is heavily based on the Neue Klasse X concept that’s been making rounds in motor shows. It shows BMW harking back to its past with a vertical slim grille. The grille (that lights up, by the way) is then flanked by panels that house the headlights with slanted LED daytime running lights.
Its body is noticeably rounder compared to the X3, further differentiating the iX3 from its fuel-fed sibling. Flush door handles (that extend when the key holder approaches) ensure greater aerodynamic efficiency, and the rear section of the roof gently slopes downwards for a more slippery profile. As for the rear, the taillights keep the brand’s L-shaped light signature, but housed in slim, horizontal units. The tailgate has a softer treatment compared to the X3, and the bumper diffusers are there for aero and stability.
Inside, BMW is quite proud of the fact that it boasts trims made from recycled materials. As for the design, the digital instrument panel is now a strip by the base of the windshield that displays all the relevant driving information. BMW calls it Panoramic iDrive, and there’s a good chance we’ll see it in more of the company’s offerings down the line.
The iDrive scroll wheel has been retired, meaning the infotainment screen is controlled by touch. The look of the screen replicates the brand’s driver-oriented layouts from the past by being tilted towards the whoever’s behind the wheel. The quartic steering wheel is similar to those in the 5- and 7-Series, but it has four spokes and has a unique center design. As for the center console, the removal of the scroll wheel means larger cubby spaces.
But the big news here is the addition of evasive steering assist. In the right conditions, the car can steer itself away from an obstacle instead of activating the autonomous emergency braking system. As for its suspension, an adaptive system that moves the anti-roll bar around to ensure level cornering is optional.
Now for the important stuff: WLTP range is 800km, and a 10-minute charge can give the iX3 an additional 372km range thanks to a new battery design with cylindrical cells. The only variant at launch is the iX3 50 xDrive that has two electric motors generating 469hp and 645Nm of torque. 0-100kph is dispatched in 4.9sec, all the way to a 210kph top speed. Bi-directional charging is also a feature of the new iX3, essentially making it a big powerbank.
BMW is also touting its Symbiotic Drive, a kind of driver assistance using AI and the iX3's own 'superbrain.' The result is the trademark driving pleasure with input distilled through AI-enabled software. One example is the automatic cruise control not being deactivated by a simple brake pedal tap; instead a harder press turns it off.
There's a lot to unpack from the world premiere that we saw here in Munich. We'll give you more information about this new BMW soon.
