BMW has wasted precious little time unveiling the all-new iX3 mid-sized electric SUV. This is the first car in the BMW stable to feature the company’s so-called Neue Klasse design philosophy, which has changed and will continue to change, how new BMW cars look for the next decade or so. The iX3 also features new technologies that are currently unavailable in other BMWs. The first model will be the 50 xDrive.
The main point of reference is the front grille, which is a combination of the BMW face of the 1960s with that vertical nose, as well as horizontal headlights. Interestingly – in addition to that vertical double kidney grille – BMW has kept a number of traditional design elements intact. These include the Hoffmeister kink on the C-pillar and the L-shaped rear lights, although in this instance they have to be illuminated to be clearly seen.
iX3 measures some 4.78 metres in length, 1.89m in width and 1.6m tall. According to official information, it can carry 520 litres of luggage in the boot, which can be increased to 1 750 litres by folding down the rear seats. Not to be outdone, the frunk (front trunk) holds up to 58 litres. BMW says the iX3 can tow up to 2 000kg trailer and features bi-directional charging (it can charge appliances in the home for example)
At the heart of it all is a new 800V electric architecture that provides the car with a 108.7kWh battery pack. This gives it 345kW of power and 645Nm of torque. As such, BMW claims a 0-100km/h sprint of 4.9 seconds for the iX3 50 xDrive, reaching a top speed of 210km/h. Possibly the biggest claim is its class-leading 805km range though.
The new BMW iX3 will arrive in Mzansi in the third quarter of 2026.
