2026 BMW iX3 Neue Klasse detailed tour and impressions

BMW is going all in on its “Neue Klasse”, meaning it will be the pivot vehicle for all future models to follow. It is a big deal when one of the biggest automotive manufacturers makes such a drastic change and we eagerly await to see how customers react.

The BMW iX3 50 xDrive was premiered in Sofia in front of a small audience, a few months before we can actually get behind the wheel and share our driving impressions. So far, we got to sit in the new model, feel the materials, play with the infotainment and evaluate practicality of what will inevitably become one of BMW's bestsellers.

Although the naming suggests some sort of continuity, the new generation iX3 has nothing in common with the current generation BMW X3. The two look nothing alike, use different platforms and the powertrains are completely different. All the name tells is they are both midsize luxury SUVs and as such are part of the biggest portion of the market. The current X3 was heavily criticized for its subpar interior quality and numb driving experience, but the iX3 appears ready to fix those issues.

We will make a detailed review of the BMW iX3 once it becomes available. For now, we will take you on an extensive tour around it and discuss all highlight features it has.

BMW iX3 50 xDrive 2025 -

• Dimensions: 188.3 inches x 74.6 inches x 64.4 inches, 114.1 inches wheelbase.
• Drivetrain tested: 50 xDrive - AWD 345 kW (469 hp), 476 lb-ft, 108.7 kWh useable battery capacity
• Charging: 400 kW CCS
• Range: 500 miles WLTP
• Weight: 5,203 lb unladen, 6,228 lb gross
• Other features: Panoramic display, AirConsole games, OTA updates.

Exterior

Starting from the design, the iX3 is recognizable as a BMW, although it looks nothing like any current model. The huge kidney grille that has caused so much controversy in recent years is replaced with a much smaller one. It can light up to signalize at night to everyone outside what you’re driving. BMW calls this "Iconic glow" and is an optional feature for the base model or a part of the M Sport Package you purchase in some markets.

The headlights have the "checkmark" light signature that almost all BMW models now have. This makes it harder to distinguish at night. However, the headlight housing is completely new. It spans all the way to the kidney grille and in this trim is highlighted with LED strips.

These LED strips are there to accent the body lines as BMW has completely ditched chrome or any other sort of highlighter. This is part of the Neue Klasse design language.

The bumper is nothing special, the iX3 sharing that bit with a number of its siblings. It's a shame, as we feel a more fitting part would have made the front even more distinctive.

The side profile is where the iX3 differs from virtually any BMW in history. At the level of the door handles there has always been a line that goes across the body and gives BMW models their signature bulky look, together with the Hofmeister kink. The latter is present, but very muted as well in the iX3.

Adding to the lack of noteworthy elements on the side, there are no window trims as well, meaning that the window begins directly from the door panel. It looks sleek and modern from up close and other makes like Range Rover have started doing the same. However, alongside the other missing elements on the side you get the general impression that the design is unfinished.

The door handles are flush with the body and pop out once the vehicle is unlocked. They also illuminate, which is a great luxury touch.

The model we got in came with the massive 22-inch wheels, equipped with Pirelli PZero E tyres. This setup undoubtedly looks amazing but compromises range and ride quality compared to smaller wheels versions. You will have to make that hard decision when ordering your iX3 as with most other EVs these days.

The rear end is once again a big departure from BMW heritage. The tail lights span almost the entire rear and have multiple lines that create a unique signature. However, if you don't choose the M Sport package pro (or the Iconic glow separately), you also get different tail lights that look much tamer.

Beyond the lights, the back looks sleek and rounded, with an absence of particularly notable design features. It should be noted that ever since BMW stopped putting a letter after the number designation, their model plaques have been looking particularly weird. The iX3 50 is no exception as the i is lowercase, followed by X3 in uppercase and then 50 is again lowercase. All of that is combined and looks more like a automatically generated secure password for a website, rather than a model designation.

Interior

The cabin of the iX3 is highly configurable so we'll speak only about what the show car had equipped. It had the leather M sports seats with Alcantara accents, which look and feel premium, as they should. One bizarre feature of the iX3 so far is that it cannot be equipped with ventilated seats, despite having perforated leather in some of the trims. This is a major downgrade compared to rivals or even the previous generation X3.

The interior is highly customizable

The show car was equipped with the M steering wheel, which we will likely see from now on in many new BMW models. It is flat at the top and bottom, making for a weird feeling at first. It comes with a conundrum of buttons on both sides for controlling the stereo, cruise control and, most notably, the gauge cluster display.

Unlike most vehicles, the gauge cluster in the iX3 isn't only in front of the driver, instead it spans across the entire base of the windshield. The section directly in front of the driver is designated for the most important information like speed, range and road signs.

The middle and far right sections can be customized to show various readouts. You can even use presets from the main screen or drag different menus to rearrange positioning.

The different sections of the gauge cluster have different purposes

Without having driven the car yet, this integration seems pretty great, but we'll have to spend some time on the road to be certain. On the surface it looks like it helps you keep your eyes as close to the road as possible. There is also an optional head-up display to project the same information directly onto the windshield.

The center screen is a massive irregularly shaped unit that controls almost all vehicle settings. It comes with the latest version of iDrive and is easy and intuitive to use. The 17.9-inch touchscreen has no lag and fantastic clarity.

Almost every menu is configurable and you can set your important information to be shown on the drop-down menu that you can enter at all times.

Like Tesla, in the vehicle settings tab, there is an image of an iX3, which you can customize to represent your exact vehicle spec. It also shows if you have any lights on, doors open and other details. It also shows all the recent vehicle data so you have all the needed vehicle information within the same screen.

The climate controls are unfortunately buried within the infotainment, which adds complexity to a simple task. Moreover, you even have to control your airflow through the screen. This cleans up the interior, yet it makes a frequently accessed feature much harder to use.

The camera system offers multiple viewing angles and great resolution. Even in the poor lighting of the show venue, it delivered great image quality of our surroundings.

The center console begins with dual upright wireless charging ports, which many vehicles are adopting. There are also two big cupholders with adjustable sides to prevent spillage of smaller cups.

In the same vicinity you get the gear lever and next to it are some important buttons like the hazard lights and screen defrosters so that you can have them within easy reach.

Below the armrest you get a deep pocket on two levels and a 12V charging port.

Since the iX3 is purely electric, it needs no gear tunnel. Therefore, BMW gives you space underneath the center console to store larger items. This will likely be useful with other seats, yet the bolstering of the M sport seats renders this storage space virtually impossible to use as you get a very tiny aperture for a huge pocket.

If you opt for the ambient lighting, you’ll get a significant portion of the interior lit up. That creates a cozy atmosphere, especially how parts of the dashboard light up and you can select pulsating lights to create a lightshow on the go.

There is a selfie camera below the rear-view mirror. Most new BMW models come with that feature, however, we find it much more of a gimmick than a particularly useful addition.

Another downgrade compared to the previous generation is the lack of retractable sunroof. You can only select a panoramic fixed roof without the option of a regular one. This means you’ll have to decide whether you want to always look at the sky or never as there's no option in between.

One big plus compared to the current 5-Series and X3 are the improved door cards. The new iX3 uses better materials for that section, giving the model the proper premium sensation it deserves. It is commendable that BMW listens to its customers and addresses known issues.

The rear seats of the BMW iX3 Neue Klasse offer limited amenities. There are no heated seats unlike the predecessor. You get an optional climate control in the back, as well as a mount for attachments on the back of the front seats.

No luxuries around the back of the iX3.

Space in the second row is plentiful and even our 1.95 m (6’4”) tall reviewer sits comfortably with a lot of space to spare. There’s sufficient space for knees and legs and ample headroom, making the iX3 perfect for longer drives with multiple passengers or fitting rotating child seats with ease.

You can easily fit tall adults in the second row.

Storage space

With the rear seats up, the storage capacity of the iX3 is above average for the segment with 18.4 ft³. You get a flat loading floor that makes it easy to load big and heavy items. There is also some leftover space underneath the main floor for storing smaller items.

With the rear seats folded you get the very practical 61.8 ft³ and an almost fully flat loading floor. Those numbers are highly impressive and on the upper level for the segment.

At long last BMW introduces a frunk (front trunk) - an overdue first in one of their electric models. It is an integration many have eagerly awaited and it's great to finally see it. It isn't a huge storage space but it allows for storing all the charging cables and other items you might rarely use or simply don't want rolling around your trunk.