First no class SUV with 497 miles and 400 kW load

The 2026 BMW IX3 is more than just a new electrical SUV – it is the first production model of BMWS Kühner Nee class -era, a reinvention in the scope of the rebirth of the 1960s of the company. After years of teasers and concepts, the wait is finally over. The IX3 is larger, faster and smarter than before. It demonstrates the sixth generation of BMW’s electrical drive system, the most modern digital cockpit and a fresh design language that the brand should carry to the next decade.

BMW claims that new class is the biggest investment in the company’s history. The chairman Oliver Zipse describes the ambitious project as a “new era”, which was announced by the IX3. With the outdated electric crossover “Na5”, the code name “Na5” has practically nothing in common with its Clar-based predecessor: “Practical everything is new, but it is more than ever,” adds Zipse.

From the concept to reality: Vision New Class X becomes IX3

We got a look at the IX3 for the first time last year when the vision NEE class X concept broke cover. This concept has now matured into a production model that initiates a new design language that BMW describes as “reduced, characteristic and timeless”. Beauty is of course subjective and the customers will ultimately decide. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied to deny BMW’s efforts to relieve its designs with fewer lines and wrinkles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va_tgk-ik7q

The cleaner look with flush door handles and smoother surfaces brings tangible aerodynamic advantages. The air resistance coefficient has dropped from 0.29 to only 0.24, which partially helped with aero-optimized bikes. The IX3 will be standard with 20-inch alloys, while higher equipment upgraded to 21 or 22-inch sets. Some of them will be available in addition to lighter air purchases via BMW individual.

Cleaner design, better aerodynamics

Visually, the IX3 of the VISION NEW class X remains in front of it. A retro-inspired vertical grille nods on the original new class models from the 1960s, although Chrome has space for lighting in 2025. The front fascia receives a striking illuminated contour around a tastefully proportioned radiator grille. Fortunately, no gigantic kidneys here.

Futuristic headlights with vertical LEDs give the IX3 a concept car atmosphere, so that they immediately look more modern than its predecessor. Horizontal light strips that flank the radiator grille add the width forward and emphasize the concept of concept. The “reduced” approach also meant extinguishing the “i” badge. In fact, even the Ms badge of the fenders are now history. Talk about less is more.

In the back area, redesigned rear lights stretch much further inside than before and almost meet in the middle, or, it was not for the BMW Roundel who halves them. The design reflects the vision of a nerve class X and makes the previous IX3 look older in comparison. A subtle change: the model designation badge has moved to the right. Initially, the only version is the 50 XDrive. Other variants will follow, including an entry -level model. Expect a single engine version in the rear wheel drive, an M-performance taste and even a complete M version in the coming years.

In the future: Panorama Vision and Idrive X

Step in and the changes are even more dramatic. Forget everything you know about the old IX3. This is something completely different. The rotation button has disappeared, as is the digital instrument cluster. In their place: BMW’s largest touchscreen that measures 17.9 inches and a blanked 17.5 degrees to the driver. With a resolution of 3,340 x 1,440 pixels, the graphics should be exceptionally crisp.

This central screen also manages a different display or rather a projection. The panoramic vision extends over the lower windshield from A-pillar to A view on a 43.3-inch nano-coated black-printed nanoko surface. It has three solid tiles in the driver’s view and replaces the instrument cluster and six configurable widgets on the right. Drivers draw the content of the central display to the panoramic view.

A 3D head-up display is optionally available for those who want more. Positioned on the left via the Panorama Vision tiles, it integrates navigation and driver assistant information into a “neatly coordinated” way to avoid visual overload.

The steering wheel pursues a so -called “Shy -Tech” approach: keys only illuminate when your functions are available or active. They are arranged on a relief -like surface with haptic feedback and enable the operation without looking away from the road.

Nevertheless, not everything has hiked on the screen or the steering wheel. Well-known controls, including a volume brain, a mute button, an equipment selection, a parking brake, a hardware lamp and heating/heating/heating, remain. The driver’s door also maintains many conventional switches, the proof that BMW is not completely “reduced”.

Sixth generation editing: lighter, poet, more efficient

Among them, the sixth generation of BMW’s EDRIVE system is debuting with improved engines and batteries. The upgrades reduce weight by 10%, energy losses by 40%and production costs by 20%. New round battery cells offer 20% larger energy density than today’s prismatic cells.

The charging capacity is a big highlight. With 800 V tech, the IX3 supports up to 400 kW in compatible stations. The 108 kWh-usable battery costs from 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes and adds 217 miles (350 km) in 10 minutes. Speaking of, range is equally impressive. BMW estimates 497 miles in the WLTP cycle and about 644 km per EPA. A Chinese long-wall version that arrives next year is rated in the CLTC cycle with 559 miles (900 km). The bidirectional shop is also supported so that the IX3 devices (V2L) charge, supply your home (V2H) with electricity or insert energy back into the grid (V2G).

Performance and dimensions: an SUV that feels greater inside

The power comes from an electrically excited synchronous engine in the back and a new asynchronous engine at the front. Together they produce 463 hp and 645 Nm (475 LB-FT), good for 0-62 km/h in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 130 km/h.

The IX3 is dimensional a little longer and wider, but somewhat lower than before: 4782 mm (188.2 inches) long, 1895 mm (74.6 inches) and 1635 mm. The slightly extended wheelbase of 2897 mm (114 inches) offers more space inside and comparable to a combustion SUV from the next segment.

Practicality remains strong. The freight room is 520 liters (18.3 Cu FT), expandable to 1,750 liters (61.8 CU FT), with the rear seats folded. A top suitcase, BMWs first since the quirky i3, adds another 58 liters (2 Cu FT). The roof shelves and towing clutches are available, the towing capacity of 2,000 kg (4,410 lbs).

Options, disguises and adjustments

The options are plentiful, from M -Sport packages and real leather pads to a panoramic view you can combine with a sun blind. Heated and driven seats, automatic air conditioning control with two zones, wireless charging and an alarm comes from. At the start, the color selection includes a solid color and five metallics such as Ocean Wave Blue and a new polarized gray, with three more metallics available in spring.

After his public debut next week at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich, the BMW IX3 of the second generation in November will be produced in the new Debrecen plant in Hungary. The Chinese version will arrive from Shenyang in 2026.

Come to America Summer 2026

BMW expects Europe and the USA to be the largest markets in the IX3. A new i3 sedan, which was tested as a prototype in Munich this week, will take part in the line -up next year. But the new class is not limited to EVS. The electronics and software architecture is integrated into every single BMW in the portfolio, be it gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid or electric.

BMW IX3 external design

BMW IX3 Studio Photos

BMW IX3 interior design

BMW IX3 design sketches

BMW IX3 Technical images

FAQ: 2026 BMW IX3