BMW unveils iX3, first Neue Klasse EV with 805km range and fast charging

German automotive manufacturer BMW, on Friday, unveiled the new iX3, the first series-produced model built on its Neue Klasse electric vehicle platform. Production will begin at BMW’s Debrecen plant in Hungary in November 2025.The vehicle will reach European markets in spring 2026, the U.S. in summer 2026, and a China-specific version will follow from BMW’s Shenyang plant. An entry-level variant is planned for later, and the iX3 is expected to arrive in India in 2026.

Oliver Zipse, BMW chairman, in a statement, said, “The Neue Klasse is our biggest future project and marks a leap in technologies, driving experience, and design. Practically everything is new, yet it is also more BMW than ever. We are launching a new era for BMW with the iX3.”

The 2025 BMW iX3, built on the company’s EV-only Gen6 architecture, introduces advanced technology, a new design language, and impressive performance, positioning it as a rival to the Audi Q6 e-tron and the upcoming Mercedes GLC EV.

The iX3 50 xDrive is the first variant to launch. It uses two electric motors producing a combined 345 kW (469 hp) and 645 Nm of torque, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h. The vehicle runs on BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive system and a 108.7 kWh usable lithium-ion battery, built with cylindrical cells and an 800-volt system.

The SUV offers a WLTP range of 679 km to 805 km. It supports DC fast charging up to 400 kW, adding 372 km of range in 10 minutes. A 10–80% charge takes 21 minutes. AC charging operates at 11 kW standard or 22 kW with an optional upgrade. The iX3 also supports bidirectional charging for Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functions.

The vehicle introduces BMW’s new zonal electronics architecture with four high-performance computers. The “Heart of Joy” system manages motors, brakes, and steering, allowing 98% of everyday braking through energy recuperation.

Other digital features include BMW Panoramic iDrive with a 17.9-inch central touchscreen, a 3D head-up display, Panoramic Vision display, and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with natural voice control. Automated driving features include Motorway & City Assistant, Park Assist, and AI-supported Symbiotic Drive with symbiotic brakes.

The iX3 measures 4,782 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width, and 1,635 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,897 mm. It has vertical kidney grilles, slim headlights, flush door handles, and a drag coefficient of 0.24. Standard wheels are 20-inch alloys, with optional 20–22-inch wheels. Tail-lights feature BMW’s L-shape signature, and the SUV has a sporty rear spoiler and bumper.

Inside, the cabin seats five. Optional panoramic glass roofs and large windows create an open feel. Boot capacity ranges from 520 litres to 1,750 litres, plus 58 litres under the bonnet. Interior trims include sustainable fabrics and leather options. M Sport variants add sport seats, an M steering wheel, and high-gloss black trim.

The company claims that its iX3 50 xDrive can tow up to 2,000 kg with an optional electric tow hitch. BMW reports a 20% reduction in energy use compared to the previous generation. The car manufacturer also said that around one-third of the vehicle is made from recycled materials and its Debrecen plant operates without fossil fuels under normal conditions.