On September 21, 2020, BMW opened the North American debut of the revolutionary BMW Neue Klasse iX3 at Bathhouse studios in New York City, and it is a significant milestone for the German car manufacturer, as it will present the first production model in the groundbreaking Neue Klasse line of cars, with the latest technology and sustainable design values.
First Neue Klasse model showcases BMW’s future
The BMW iX3 represents far more than a single vehicle launch, serving as the foundation for BMW’s next-generation design language and technological advancement. Dr. Joachim Post, BMW Group Member of the Board of Management for Development, will present the vehicle at the exclusive New York event.
“The BMW iX3 is much more than one vehicle,” Post explained. “As the first of our Neue Klasse, the BMW iX3 set new industry standards for user experience, digitalization, driving dynamics, and circularity. These characteristics will be incorporated throughout our entire vehicle lineup and usher in a whole new era for BMW.”
The iX3 is introduced as the overall change strategy of the company, and almost 40 new and updated models with Neue Klasse design language are planned to be released within two years. Such an ambitious launch testifies to the desire to transform the automotive industry by developing new electric vehicles.
Revolutionary BMW Panoramic iDrive changes the user experience
The iX3 also brings BMW Panoramic iDrive, a totally rethought user interface that will be used in all future BMW models. The system is revolutionary and contains the first-of-the-kind BMW Panoramic Vision display, which displays appropriate information on the entire base of the windscreen at each side of it.
The system harmonises computer capabilities with physical aspects and takes the instinctive operation to new levels of driver attention. Important driving data directly comes into the driver’s perspective, whereas the 17.9-inch Central Display offers customization of the personal content in both central and right-hand views.
The projection technologies in these displays have several patent applications filed by BMW, which indicates the high level of innovation put into this revolutionary interface system. The technology is a paradigm of a change in the way drivers engage with their cars.
Outstanding performance sets in with sustainable innovation
The iX3 50 xDrive provides impressive specs with the sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, with a range of the estimated 650 km according to the initial standards of the EPA test and the peak charge rate of 400kW. The features set new standards of efficiency, range, and charge speed in the premium electric SUV market.
The high-voltage battery is an advanced concept version that uses a lithium-ion cylindrical cell with an energy density that is 20% higher than that of fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, and can charge 30 times faster. Charging 10-80 percent with a maximum 400kW rate can enable users to charge up to 800V DC stations in 21 minutes.
Sustainability principles drive manufacturing excellence
BMW shows the sustainability of the iX3 in its entire lifecycle as it takes measures to conserve resources on a large scale, both in the supply chain, manufacturing, and consumption layers. The car uses 30 per cent recycled maritime plastic in engine compartment covers, which are made of post-consumer materials, old fishing nets, and ropes.
The Hungary iX3 plant (Budapest-Debreceny) uses renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic systems to meet over 25 percent of its electricity requirements to manufacture the iX3 in oil and gas-free mode. The production of CO2 per vehicle is reduced to 0.1 tons, which sets new environmental standards.
The BMW iX3 will be available in Canada in mid-2026, with a starting price of below 60000 Canadian Dollars on the 50 xDrive model equipped with about 400 miles of driving capacity. This innovative car confirms BMW’s leadership in sustainable luxury electric mobility without losing the dynamic driving capabilities and high-end experience of the brand.