BMW Launches Next-Gen iX3 Electric SUV With 20% More Range and a Lower Starting Price

BMW’s first Neue Klasse production model, the all-electric iX3, officially broke cover today, signaling a major pivot for the brand’s future SUVs. Building on sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, the iX3 promises up to 500 miles (800 km) of WLTP range—roughly 400 miles by preliminary EPA estimates—thanks to a high-energy-density battery pack mounted in a new flat “pack-to-open-body” floor design. Fast–charging headlines An 800-volt electrical architecture enables 350 kW DC capability, trimming 10 %-to-80 % recharge times to just 18 minutes at compatible ultra-fast stations. BMW also bakes in bidirectional charging for vehicle-to-home (V2H) and future grid services. Design: sleek, aerodynamically tuned Externally, the iX3 previews the Neue Klasse design language with a flush kidney grille, slim LED matrix headlights, and a drag coefficient of 0.25. Inside, a 43-inch curved windshield display projects augmented-reality data, while a minimalist dash is anchored by BMW’s next-gen Panoramic Vision interface and voice-first iDrive 10 software. Performance and chassis Single- and dual-motor variants will be offered. The rear-drive model produces 335 hp and 450 Nm, sprinting to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds; the xDrive dual-motor ups output to 536 hp for a 4.1-second dash. A new “zonal” chassis control unit integrates adaptive damping, rear-wheel steering, and brake-by-wire for sharper dynamics. Production, launch timeline, and pricing Series production starts in Q4 2025 at BMW’s new, CO₂-neutral Debrecen, Hungary plant, with European deliveries beginning early 2026. U.S. allocations follow mid-2026, where BMW targets a base price “around $60,000,” positioning the iX3 squarely against the Tesla Model Y Long Range and Audi Q6 e-tron. Key features at a glance • 500 mile WLTP / 400 mile EPA-target range • 800 V system, 350 kW DC fast charging (10-80 % in 18 min) • Bidirectional charging (V2H, V2G ready) • Up to 536 hp dual-motor xDrive version • 43-inch AR windshield display, Panoramic Vision cockpit • Debrecen plant: net-zero production from day one Why it matters The iX3 is more than a model update; it is BMW’s technology flagship for the 2020s. With competitive range, ultra-fast charging, and an advanced digital cabin, the SUV aims to lure customers who might otherwise shop Tesla or Mercedes EQ. As global EV adoption accelerates, expect the iX3 to shape BMW’s roadmap for sedans, crossovers, and even future M-performance EVs.