BMW iX3
The iX3 may seem unassuming at first glance, but it provides a premium electric experience. Offering plenty of space, an accessible real-world range, and reliable rapid charging capability make this SUV well suited to family life.
The new BMW iX3 will debut in autumn 2025, heralding an array of six vehicles built on BMW’s Neue Klasse platform.
BMW iX3 | Design
BMW’s iX3 is already quite attractive, but the 2025 model that will serve as its successor promises even greater visual and dynamic upgrades. BMW’s Neue Klasse platform overhaul has given this BMW vehicle a slimmer, more aeroblade D-pillar as part of their Neue Klasse overhaul, as well as new aero wheels and low rolling resistance tires designed to reduce drag by 20% over its CLAR-platform sibling.
The frontal design echoes both Vision Circular and Vision Neue Klasse concepts, featuring narrow integrated double LED headlights framing a sleek panel. On either side of this SUV is fuss-free surfacing and an updated Hofmeister kink that contributes to its aero-optimized profile; further back is a muscular rear featuring a larger diffuser and larger tailgate spoiler, designed to reduce range-sucking wind resistance.
Carwow’s spy photographers have caught prototypes of the new iX3 testing in snow, heavily camouflaged yet still identifiable by some of its styling cues. We can make out some of its stylistic details such as its slim instrument display with head-up display (supplemented by an even larger head-up display) and sloped infotainment screen set deep within its dashboard, helping reduce eye refocusing when switching driving functions. In terms of layout, expect it to mirror that of its predecessor iX1 but with more passengers and longer legroom for those seated at its rear.
BMW iX3 | Performance
BMW’s iX3 will be the inaugural production vehicle to use their new electric vehicle platform, using an 800-volt electrical system and round LFP/NMC batteries, providing improved packaging with greater range.
BMW plans on adding an all-wheel drive version of the rear-wheel-drive iX3 SUV in the near future, which would enable it to tackle an array of road conditions more effectively. BMW also provides wheel slip control to allocate power between wheels in slippery situations for maximum traction.
BMW recognizes that few EV owners will require four-wheel drive capability, so has retained the rear-wheel drive setup of its regular X3 car for this EV version. As a result, its driving position offers greater ground-hugging capability compared to that of Mercedes EQC or Jaguar I-Pace; which may make driving feel more in tune with nature and less abstracted from reality.
BMW claims the BMW i3s electric motor provides up to 285 miles of range when connected only to the rear wheels, making for an admirable average range. While this figure may not compare with 400+ mile offerings like Audi Q8 e-tron and Volvo XC40, charging should take around 34 minutes at a DC fast charger and comes complete with their three year/unlimited-mileage battery warranty as standard.
BMW iX3 | Technology
Though not as visually stunning as BMW’s newer models, the iX3 offers an exceptionally comfortable cabin and refined over-the-road behavior. Driving it inspires confidence thanks to crisp steering with precise feedback that allows drivers to feel where their front tyres are going; its rear-wheel drive setup provides agility when maneuvering out of tight corners as well.
The electric tailgate opens to reveal an extremely practical boot with no load lip between its edge and floor (a leftover from its petrol/diesel X3 siblings), convenient storage areas on either side, plus flip-out cupholders in its drop-down centre armrest. You also get the option of installing a flat-pack battery that BMW claims can double your range to over 500 miles.
The BMW iX3 EV marks its inaugural use of its Neue Klasse platform, designed specifically to support electric vehicles. Using sixth-generation round batteries with 20% higher energy density and 30% faster charging than existing BMW EVs’ prismatic cells should help it outpace rival EVs like Jaguar I-PACE and Rivian R1S on long trips, as well as an adaptive recuperation system capable of handling up to 90% of driving situations without needing a brake pedal touch.
BMW iX3 | Pricing
If you’re in the US and searching for a BMW iX3, pricing starts at $67,000 – much higher than competing vehicles such as Jaguar I-Pace and Mercedes EQC but lower than models such as Model Y or Rivian R1S.
BMW only offers one choice for battery and motor – an 80kWh (gross, not useable) unit coupled to a 286hp electric motor – for their SUV EV SUV model, offering up to 282 miles of driving range per charge, which compares favourably against competing options in its class.
Its lightweight body should aid acceleration and handling. But don’t expect the iX3 to make for an ideal track car – its rear-wheel drive layout doesn’t allow it the four-wheeled agility of traditional SUVs.
Inside, the BMW iX3 features an elegant interior crafted of Sensatec synthetic leather and Vernasca leather upholstery for its seats and door cards. While not quite as lavish as some of BMW’s other offerings, everything feels luxurious enough for such an expensive SUV.
BMW’s new battery-electric Neue Klasse platform will also underpin its 2026 electric X3 and 3-series sedan due to debut later this year and in 2024 respectively; these will act as successors for the i3 EV, possibly sharing similar styling to Vision Neue Klasse X concept.
