BMW has taken the wraps off the first production model from its Neue Klasse series, the new-generation all-electric iX3. This Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) marks a significant milestone, offering the first tangible look at the brand's future direction in electric mobility, design and technology, set to arrive in South Africa in the third quarter of 2026.
The vehicle introduces a completely new design language, characterised by reduced, timeless surfaces and a powerful presence. Key BMW signatures, like the vertically arranged kidney grille and L-shaped taillights, are reinterpreted with a modern edge. The cabin is designed around a driver-focused, digital experience, offering generous space for five occupants and a minimalist, modern aesthetic.
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A major technological leap comes from the sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology. The launch model, the iX3 50 xDrive, produces 345 kW, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,9 seconds, and boasts a range of up to 805 km (WLTP). Its new high-voltage battery supports ultra-fast charging at up to 400 kW, allowing for a range boost of approximately 372 km in just 10 minutes at compatible stations. A key innovation is its bidirectional charging capability, enabling the vehicle to power external devices or even feed energy back into the grid.
The digital user experience is revolutionised by the new BMW Operating System X and the BMW Panoramic iDrive. This system features a head-up display that spans the width of the windscreen and a central display for intuitive control, all designed to minimise distraction. Underpinning this is a new electronics architecture with four high-performance computers, making the iX3 a highly advanced, software-defined vehicle.
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A core pillar of the Neue Klasse is a holistic sustainability approach. BMW states the product carbon footprint over the vehicle's life cycle has been reduced by more than 30% compared to its predecessor. This is achieved through the use of secondary materials, including recycled marine plastic in some components and recycled PET in seat textiles.
The new BMW iX3 will be produced at a state-of-the-art plant in Debrecen, Hungary, with the first customer deliveries in Europe beginning in spring 2026. Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, stated, “The Neue Klasse is our biggest future-focussed project... Practically everything about it is new, yet it is also more BMW than ever.”
For South African customers, the new iX3 represents a compelling blend of long-range capability, cutting-edge technology, and a bold new design, signalling a new chapter for electric driving pleasure from the German automaker.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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