BMW has been teasing its “Neue Klasse” electric era for years, and in 2026 the wait will finally pay off with the arrival of the brand-new iX3. This isn’t just another EV from Munich, it’s a bold reboot that’s set to bring record-breaking range, slick tech, and a price that might make you look twice at its rivals.

The iX3 is the first model to roll out under BMW’s Neue Klasse banner, and it’ll officially launch in Ireland in spring 2026. If you want to get a look for yourself before then, you can see it for the first time at the Nevo EV Show this November.

Performance

At launch, the only version you’ll be able to buy is the xDrive50, powered by twin electric motors serving up a healthy 463bhp. That translates to 0–100km/h in 4.9 seconds.To squeeze out maximum efficiency without dulling the drive, the iX3 pairs EESM and ASM motors in its setup. BMW says this clever combo cuts energy losses by around 40%, trims production costs by 20%, and even shaves 10% off the overall weight, enhancing the driving experience altogether.

Underneath it all sits a clever new “Heart of Joy” system, BMW’s name for its single controller that orchestrates everything from motor response to braking and steering. The result? All the moving parts play nicely together, and the car reacts instantly without the lag or clunkiness of older setups.

Range and Charging

Here’s where things get really exciting. Thanks to BMW’s sixth-generation battery tech, the iX3 comes with a usable 108.7 kWh lithium-ion pack built around new cylindrical cells. These cells hold more energy, charge faster, and weigh less than before. In practical terms, that means up to 805km of range on the WLTP cycle.

Charging is next-level, too. The iX3 runs on an 800-volt system and supports speeds of up to 400 kW, faster than rivals like the Porsche Macan EV or Kia EV9. Plug into a compatible rapid charger, and you’ll go from 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes. To add a futuristic twist, the car even learns to pop open its charging flap automatically when you park at a charger, then close it again once you’re done.

Design and Interior

Visually, BMW has dialled things back. Gone are the oversized grilles and fussy details we’ve seen in recent years. Instead, the iX3 wears a sharper, simpler face with slim kidney grilles integrated neatly into visor-like headlights, a respectful nod to BMW’s 1960s Neue Klasse.

Inside, it’s even more of a departure. Minimalist, clean, and futuristic, the cabin ditches the old instrument cluster and iconic iDrive wheel in favour of a 17.9-inch touchscreen with a bold, hexagonal shape. It’s cleverly positioned for ease of use, and the system itself is quick, intuitive, and crystal clear.

Tech lovers will appreciate the extras: over-the-air updates, phone-as-a-key, built-in streaming apps, Zoom calls that seamlessly switch to audio once you start driving, plus wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

In the back, space is generous, closer to an X5 than you’d expect in something under 4.8 metres long. The boot offers between 520 litres and 1,750 litres depending on how you fold the seats, while a 58-litre frunk gives you extra storage for cables. And yes, it’ll tow up to two tonnes with an optional retractable tow bar.

Cost Considerations

Deliveries across Europe kick off in March 2026, with Asia and the US following later in the year. Order books open on September 5, and in Ireland, the iX3 xDrive50 will start from €73,925 on the road, which puts it in around the same range of the new IONIQ 9, the Audi Q6 e-tron, or the Polestar 4.

Verdict

The iX3 Neue Klasse feels like BMW’s proper reset button for the electric age. It nails the big numbers, range, charging speed, power, but more importantly, it looks and feels cohesive rather than gimmicky. The stripped-back design, the thoughtful tech, and the efficiency upgrades suggest BMW has learned from both its hits and its misses.

If you’re holding out for an EV that blends long-distance confidence with everyday practicality (and doesn’t scream for attention with oversized grilles), this could well be the one to watch. Roll on 2026, we suspect the iX3 will be worth the wait.