Although it’s already been a month since BMW unveiled the iX3, it will still be a while before deliveries begin. In fact, series production hasn’t even started yet at the new Debrecen plant in Hungary. The first customer vehicles won’t roll off the assembly line until the end of this month, with early adopters in Europe receiving their cars next spring – with the US following later in the summer.
Meanwhile, BMW remains busy. As expected for such a major product launch, the luxury car manufacturer is pulling out all the stops to properly introduce the first modern New Class model to the world. As part of its world tour, the iX3 2026 is currently in Belgium for its debut at the Zoute Grand Prix.
The five-day event is more than just a traditional auto show with rallies, parades and an invitation-only auction. Munich’s most important electric vehicle to date can be seen until October 12th. Of course, BMW puts its best foot forward and presents the iX3 in high-end equipment. The obvious upgrade is the 22-inch aerodynamic wheels, an optional two-tone custom set.
BMW presents the first new class SUV in Space Silver Metallic with the M Sport Package Pro, which provides a more upscale appearance with black exterior accents. While chrome has been a symbol of luxury for decades, it is disappearing more and more with each new model. We don’t necessarily miss it, but some traditionalists may scoff at the idea of a luxury car without the design element that has defined premium vehicles for so long.
These fresh images from Belgium highlight BMW’s radical shift towards cleaner, smoother surfaces. Even the iconic roundel has been subtly updated, although you’ll need a keen eye to spot the differences. It’s just a shame that there are no photos of the interior, where the transformation is even more dramatic. The “less is more” approach reaches new heights in the interior, now dominated by iDrive X and Panoramic Vision.
While this iX3 is technically a close-to-production prototype, the customer car will be almost identical. What you see is what you get, assuming you’re willing to take the plunge and buy one. Photos: BMW Belgium
