BMW's much talked about iX3 has broken cover with new EV tech designed to enhance the ownership experience. The design is the first production model to adopt the Neue Klasse design language. Its coming to Mzansi in June 2026.
The upright front end adopts the new design language with sculpted lines that will definitely make a high impact when seen live. The kidney grille and twin LED lights are distinctive in execution but are still unmistakably BMW harking back to the designs of vintage BMWs from the 60s. An all-new light signature around the grille assumes the role previously performed by chrome in giving the car an aura of quality and sophistication. Large air intakes dominate the lower bumper design as they feed air to the batteries.
Flush glass surfaces and door handles are also features of the side view giving the iX3 as clean look. The sloping roof is reminiscent of the X3 in mixing the SUV functionality with Coupe like rear end design accents. The iX3 can be optioned with the M Sport package or M Sport package Pro from launch with Black high-gloss features. The BMW Iconic Glow exterior package enables an impressive sound and light sequence upfront and at the rear.
The BMW iX3 will be available with 20-inch light-alloy wheels fitted as standard, with varying designs 20-, 21- and 22-inch available as an option. The range also includes BMW M and BMW Individual light-alloy wheels, some in aerodynamically and weight-optimised Air Performance specification.
The rear is dominated by new design LED taillights extending well into the centre of the rear end representing a horizontal interpretation of the signature BMW “L” shape. The BMW badge is neatly placed in a curve shape in between the tail lights. Faux diffuser will vary in execution depending on the model specification chosen.
The design of the BMW iX3 interior sets new standards in terms of modernity and digital experience with a floating” instrument panel that flows directly into the large door trim panels. Another prominent influence in the horizontally arranged cockpit is the new control/operation system BMW Panoramic iDrive. The BMW Panoramic iDrive is the first tech interface to be seen on a BMW. The welcome sequence commences as soon as the driver approaches the vehicle and, as they take their seat, an animated greeting begins in the BMW Panoramic Vision and Central Display, spreading smoothly from the driver’s side of the cockpit to the front passenger side. Also sporting an all-new design are the steering wheel and the centre console between the driver’s seat and front passenger seat, complete with storage areas and control elements.
Large window surfaces and the optional panoramic sunroof with climate comfort glazing generate an ambience bathed in light. The elegantly minimalist seats of the new design stand out with their excellent comfort levels over long journeys, sporty character, and wide range of adjustment. And above the BMW Panoramic Vision, the BMW 3D Head-Up Display (if specified) can now also show integrated navigation and automated driving displays on the road with spatial depth.
The rear seat bench offers a single, sofa-like seat surface. An attractive range of colours enables a perfect match between the interior tones and exterior paint finishes. As alternatives to the standard-specification Essential interior design in Vivid Grey with Econeer seat coverings, customers can also choose from three other compositions in Veganza, the black BMW M interior world in Veganza and M PerformTex, and the BMW Individual option with a high-quality Merino leather/M PerformTex combination in Black Bicolour or Adelaide Grey
The load compartment capacity of the new BMW iX3 can be increased from 520 to a maximum 1,750 litres by folding down the rear seat backrest elements as required. The additional storage compartment under the bonnet can hold another 58 litres of cargo.
The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is powered by two electric motors, which together generate output of 345 kW and 645 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 210 km/h. Its electric all-wheel-drive system ensures maximum traction with efficiency prioritised. A maximum charging rate of 400 kW enables users to fill their new BMW iX3 with enough energy at an 800V direct current (DC) rapid charging station to add up to 372 kilometres of range in just ten minutes. The high-voltage battery can charge from 10 to 80 per cent capacity in 21 minutes. Extensive bidirectional charging functions are also available for the new BMW iX3, meaning that it can be used as an energy supply source for a variety of applications including powering household requirements.
As much as the iX3 is an EV, it still has to entertain BMW Sheer Driving Pleasure style. One of four “superbrains” in the electronics architecture of the Neue Klasse, the Heart of Joy looks after drivetrain and driving dynamics management. This high-performance control unit is responsible for the drivetrain, brakes, energy recuperation and steering subfunctions thus enabling the iX3 to entertain. Together with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software stack developed fully in-house, the Heart of Joy calculates all the driving dynamics parameters with a new level of speed and precision
The market launch of the new BMW iX3 will get underway in Europe in spring 2026 and in South Africa in the third quarter of 2026.