BMW has officially revealed the new iX3, and it marks the start of a new era. This isn’t just another electric SUV added to the range – it’s the first model to launch on BMW’s all-electric Neue Klasse platform. Here’s what you need to know about the car itself, the technology behind it, and why the name Neue Klasse carries so much weight in BMW history.
2026 BMW iX3: A ground-up EV
The previous iX3 was essentially an electric version of the petrol-powered X3. The new model changes that approach completely. It’s built on BMW’s dedicated NA5 architecture, designed exclusively for electric vehicles. Unlike the multi-purpose CLAR platform, which underpins most of today’s BMW line-up, NA5 is uncompromisingly optimised for EV use. Everything from chassis design to packaging has been developed around batteries, motors and charging efficiency.
2026 BMW iX3 range, performance and versions
BMW claims the new iX3 can deliver up to 805 km (around 500 miles) of range, depending on specification. That’s thanks to BMW’s sixth-generation battery technology, using round-cell formats that promise improved energy density and efficiency. Longer-range figures – close to 900 km – have been quoted for lighter models on the same architecture, so expect this technology to filter across future BMW EVs.
In terms of pricing, the U.S. market launch starts with the iX3 50 xDrive at around $60,000, with a more affordable version expected to drop below $55,000 in 2027. European pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet, but BMW is clearly positioning this as a competitive model in the premium EV SUV segment.
What’s next for Neue Klasse?
The iX3 is the first step. BMW has already confirmed an i3 sedan for 2027, with Touring and coupe-style SUV derivatives to follow. Larger EVs like the iX5, iX6 and iX7 will continue to use a mix of CLAR hardware, but with key Neue Klasse technologies integrated – including the new infotainment system with its panoramic display.
The meaning of Neue Klasse
The name isn’t new. Back in the 1960s, BMW launched its first Neue Klasse cars – a series of compact, sporty saloons and coupes that saved the company from financial trouble and established its identity as a maker of dynamic driver’s cars. Models like the BMW 1500 and later the 2002 laid the foundations for what would become the 3 Series and 5 Series.
By reviving the name today, BMW is drawing a clear parallel: just as the original Neue Klasse reshaped BMW’s future sixty years ago, this new generation of electric models is intended to do the same in the EV era.
Why the 2026 BMW iX3 matters
The new iX3 isn’t simply about offering another electric SUV. It represents BMW’s answer to the big challenges facing EV adoption: range, cost and usability. If BMW can deliver close to 500 miles of real-world range, with competitive pricing and widespread availability, the Neue Klasse could become as influential for the brand as it was in the 1960s.
This model also sets the tone for the rest of BMW’s upcoming EVs. The technologies launched here – from advanced battery systems to the new interior architecture – will filter across the line-up, shaping the BMWs you’ll see throughout the next decade.
