The new BMW iX3 electric SUV spotted on the streets of Shanghai

A camouflaged BMW has been spotted cruising the streets of downtown Shanghai, far from the usual remote test tracks. Sporting German license plates, the vehicle is none other than the next-generation BMW iX3. Based on the futuristic Neue Klasse X concept revealed last year, the SUV is undergoing routine tests in China and sizing up the competition in the most demanding EV market on the planet.

For BMW, this product launch is a high-stakes mission. China remains the German automaker's single largest market, but its current electric offerings are struggling to keep pace. The outgoing BMW iX3 has been a slow seller - from January to July 2025, BMW sold just 8,475 units.

During that same period, its gasoline-powered sibling, the X3, sold 39,571 vehicles. With Chinese buyers embracing EVs from a slew of aggressive local brands, BMW knows the new iX3 must be a hit, or the brand risks being left behind.

The new iX3's design is a clear departure from current BMW models. The camouflaged prototype reveals a low beltline and sculpted rear fenders that give it a muscular stance. To improve efficiency, the door handles sit flush with the body, and the five-spoke wheels feature aerodynamic covers. Around back, slender taillights and a roof spoiler create a clean, modern look.

The tailgate door appears somewhat short, suggesting the trunk may have a high lift-over height. In terms of size, BMW i Design head Kai Langer has previously stated the new model will be larger than its predecessor but smaller than the current X5, placing it in the popular mid-size SUV segment.

Underneath the new bodywork hides BMW's next-generation EV technology, which promises significant improvements in range and charging. The top-trim iX3 50 xDrive is expected to deliver an impressive 497 miles of range on the European WLTP cycle, thanks to the use of new cylindrical battery cells.

This translates to an estimated 559 miles on China's CLTC cycle and a very competitive 400 miles on the American EPA standard. Just as important is the charging speed. Built on an 800V architecture, the iX3 will be capable of adding 217 miles of range in just 10 minutes, with a maximum charging power of up to 400 kW.

Inside, the new iX3 will feature a radical new dashboard concept. A "panoramic vision" display will stretch across the entire base of the windshield, projecting key information like speed and navigation onto a specially coated surface. For the driver, a more traditional head-up display (HUD) will project critical data directly into their line of sight.

The tech showcase continues with an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) powered by artificial intelligence. One of its standout features will allow the driver to initiate a lane change simply by looking at the corresponding side-view mirror. For more advanced automated driving, BMW has partnered with Momenta to develop an intelligent driving solution that enables point-to-point assisted navigation on both highways and city streets.

Official power figures haven't been released, but the new iX3 is expected to be substantially more powerful than the outgoing model, which uses a single 210 kW (282 hp) motor to power the rear wheels. The next generation will introduce a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive option for the first time.

Via