New BMW iX3 revealed

Design and interior

Alongside significant technological advances that we’ll detail below, the new iX3 introduces a completely new design language, which will be adopted by the entire future BMW model line-up. This new approach leverages technological advancements to enable bold design changes, while retaining hallmark BMW styling features. BMW describes the design as ‘reduced to the essentials’. The iX3’s exterior design has a strong contemporary appearance, defined by precise lines, expansive glass surfaces and an upright front end where the iconic BMW kidney grille and twin headlights take centre stage.

Measuring 4,782mm in length, 1,895mm in width and 1,635mm in height, the iX3 follows established BMW SAV proportions. Its distinctive two-box design combining the rugged presence of a BMW X model with large surfaces and clear lines, highlighting all four wheels. The wheelbase measures 2,897mm, with the iX3’s optimised aerodynamics resulting in a drag coefficient (Cd) of just 0.24.

Inside, BMW describes the iX3’s cabin as putting the driver at the heart of a clean, minimalist layout built around the new Panoramic iDrive. The lines of the ’floating’ instrument panel flow directly into the large door trim panels, creating an enveloping wrap-around effect. With its fabric surface, the instrument panel – with optional atmospheric backlighting – give a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the cockpit. The centre console offers further storage and features an entirely new design. A storage area beneath the armrest houses a 12V power supply, while the front section of the centre console is complete with a wireless charging tray with room for two mobile devices, two USB-C ports and two cup holders separated by a triangular illuminated trim element. The space behind it houses the gear selector, a roller switch for volume control and physical buttons for the parking brake, rear window heating, windscreen defrosting and hazard warning lights. Additional storage is offered below the centre console.

A newly designed steering wheel features pronounced thumb rests and multi-function buttons for intuitive operation. Redesigned seats offer high levels of comfort and are clad with a reduced amount of plastic trim for an elegant appearance. The driver and front passenger seats are heated and electrically adjustable as standard and the rear seat bench has a single sofa-like surface. The standard interior features Econeer seat fabrics made from recycled materials in a light Vivid Grey finish, with other sustainable surfaces reinforcing the leather-free approach.

The wrap-around cockpit design flows into the door panels, and according to BMW, passengers will benefit from noticeably increased rear legroom compared with its predecessor. Still, large windows and a full-length panoramic sunroof, available optionally with sun protection glass, flood the interior with natural light. Also electrically operated are new door openers at both the front and rear, with controls conveniently positioned behind the window buttons on the pull handles. 

Powertrains

Designed specifically for the Neue Klasse generation of vehicles, the new BMW iX3 premieres BMW Group’s sixth-generation eDrive technology, which comprises highly efficient electric motors, new high-voltage batteries with cylindrical cells, and 800V technology to set new benchmarks in efficiency and long-distance capability. The result is a claimed single-charge range of up to 500 miles, making the new BMW iX3 50 xDrive 

the longest-range battery electric vehicle on sale on the UK market today as measured under the WLTP test cycle. 

Meanwhile, a maximum charging rate of 400kW enables drivers to add up to 231 miles of range to their BMW iX3 in just ten minutes at an 800V DC rapid charging station, representing a 30% increase in charging speed compared with fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. With the sixth generation, energy losses are reduced by 40%, weight by 10%, and manufacturing costs by 20%.

A new digital nervous system, developed from scratch for all BMW Group drive system variants and model segments, makes its debut in the new iX3. At its core are four “superbrain” high-performance computers, which cover driving dynamics, automated driving, infotainment, and basic comfort functions such as vehicle access, climate control and seat adjustment.

Technology

Another iX3 interior highlight is the fact it’s the first series-production model equipped with the revolutionary BMW Panoramic iDrive, which BMW has designed to redefine the user experience. It brings together displays, geometry and light and sound design into an integrated experience, with customisable look and feel via the My Modes menu. Adding to the user experience, are the new driving sounds, sound effects and sound signals of the BMW HypersonX soundscape, created specifically for the Neue Klasse.

This trailblazing system BMW says was born out of decades of experience and development following a user-centric design approach, where data from over 10 million connected vehicles and usability studies from more than 3,000 customers were all incorporated into its development process. 

There are still physical controls for the windscreen wipers, indicators, exterior mirrors, volume control, gear selector, parking brake, hazard warning lights, and the rear window heating and defrost function. Elsewhere, other functions have been optimised for use by touch and voice command, or via the multifunction steering wheel. Panoramic iDrive, BMW claims, elevates intuitive driver-focussed operation in line with BMW’s “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road” principle.

Elsewhere, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant has been significantly upgraded and now includes two new voices, a new appearance for the BMW Panoramic Vision and additional assistance for the driver through proactive suggestions and personalised routines. Large Language Model technology will apparently be gradually introduced to enable even more intuitive voice interaction in the future.

BMW Panoramic iDrive brings together four central elements into a unique display and control/operation system. The BMW Panoramic Vision projects information across the full width of the windscreen – from A-pillar to A-pillar – where key driving information appears directly in the driver’s field of vision. Meanwhile, content projected in the centre and front passenger side of the display is customisable to driver’s personal tastes and requirements.

Located above the BMW Panoramic Vision is the new and optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display, this projects the integrated navigation and automated driving displays on to the road with spatial depth. The free-cut-design Central Display with matrix backlight technology is positioned ergonomically next to the steering wheel. On the driver’s side, vertically arranged widgets are designed to enable fast and direct access to frequently used functions using QuickSelect technology. The distinctive new multifunction steering wheel that we’ve already mentioned, is the primary physical control point. 

Underpinning BMW Panoramic iDrive is the newly developed BMW Operating System X, which brings a multitude of personalisation options via the user’s BMW ID, intelligent driver assistance, an array of digital functions, extensive connectivity using the My BMW App and outstanding futureproofing thanks to remote BMW Software Updates.

Equipment and costs

UK customers can tailor the design of their new BMW iX3 with the choice of three well-equipped versions: iX3, iX3 M Sport and iX3 M Sport Pro. The entry-level iX3 spec offers heated six-way power front seats, a wireless charging tray, electric folding mirrors, leather-free Econeer upholstery, smartphone integration, including Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and dual-zone climate control. The iX3 M Sport trim adds 20in M light-alloy wheels, M Sport brakes with blue callipers, M exterior styling, including grade-specific front and rear bumpers, side skirts, an M rear diffuser and a sports steering wheel. M Sport customers also benefit from ambient lighting, featuring translucent dashboard lighting, exterior M logo projection, and an M interior trim design with Veganza/M PerformTex leather-alternative upholstery. The most comprehensive spec level, iX3 M Sport Pro, adds 10-way electrically adjustable heated front M Sport seats, an M Black High-Gloss rear diffuser, M Sport brakes equipped with red callipers, an M-specific steering wheel and black exterior mirror caps. The front-end design is further enhanced by a Shadowline Glass 3D kidney grille, complemented by BMW Iconic Glow and Adaptive LED Headlights for maximum visibility.

In addition to these trim levels, the new BMW iX3 can also be specified with a Technology Plus Package, bringing three-zone automatic climate control, the BMW 3D Head-Up Display and an acoustically optimised Harman Kardon surround-sound system. There are also a variety of single options, including AC Charging Professional, enabling 22kW bidirectional AC charging. 

Production of the new BMW iX3 starts in autumn 2025, with the first UK customer deliveries of the BMW iX3 expected in March 2026. Further variants of the BMW iX3 will follow, including a new entry-level model. The new BMW iX3 50 xDrive is priced from £58,755 OTR.