BMW’s new era begins in Munich with the iX3

From a groundbreaking 500-mile range to an eye-catching, heritage-informed design, the iX3 marks the dawn of a bold new electric chapter for BMW.

This year’s Munich motor show was packed with new releases, from the revamped Renault Clio, to the fresh electric Mercedes GLC, to a glimpse at the future of the Audi TT, to name a few. 

But what’s more attention-grabbing than a mere model release? An entire new era. That’s right, BMW set out to one-up its competition at the show by unveiling not only a new car, but a whole ‘Neue Klasse’. And the car spearheading this new chapter, the iX3, is quite a head-turner on its own…

Bold design

You’ll be hard pressed to find a modern BMW release whose design can’t be described as ‘bold’, and the new iX3 is no different.

Side-on, the silhouette is relatively subtle, featuring flowing lines and smoothed-off details bookended at the front and rear by boxy, horizontal surfaces. Step around to the back of the iX3 though, and things start to get a little less conventional. Sat atop a lipped diffuser-style element, angular planes and vertically elongated rear lights all guide towards the central badge, using the space in a unique configuration which we reckon comes together cohesively.

And of course, we have to mention the evolution of the controversial snout around the front. As you might expect, this once again had the crowd talking, and while it does look slightly like a small SUV’s front grille fitted to a medium-sized model, it appears purposeful and cohesive. In short: the BMW iX3’s design is a lot, but it works.

Oh, and there are layers to this as well. The iX3 may be the beginning of BMW’s current new era, but the styling calls back to the original Neue Klasse of the 1960s, the generation largely credited with laying the groundwork for the brand’s global success. And the inspiration for that grille? Look no further than the iconic BMW 1800.

Building on heritage

So, BMW hasn’t forgotten its past, but what does the future look like now the iX3 has arrived?

"Today’s Neue Klasse takes us into a whole new era, which starts with the BMW iX3 as the first model from this new vehicle generation. It stands for electric mobility without range anxiety and for a digital experience that uses intelligent solutions to put our customers at the centre. Moreover, it stands for sustainable production committed to responsible action. But most of all, it starts a new chapter for driving pleasure." - Bernd Körber, BMW Head of Product & Brand Management

At the core of the iX3 — and the Neue Klasse — lies BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology. Described as a technological leap forward, this features high-voltage batteries, dual electric motors, and 800V technology. For those of us who aren't engineers, this culminates in a simpler, lighter design, generating 475 bhp, 645 Nm of torque, taking you from 0-62 mph in just 4.9 seconds, before topping out at 130 mph. But perhaps most impressive of all is the range, which sits at up to an impressive 500 miles.

And when you need to recharge, the iX3 boasts a 400 kw peak charging rate, so you can add around 231 miles of range in just ten minutes — more than enough to take the anxiety out of longer journeys. 

A glimpse inside

And that digital experience Bernd mentioned? We grabbed a sneak peek for ourselves.

The iX3’s interior is a minimalist affair, but the stripped-back cabin is packed with technology. The ‘floating’ instrument panel spans the length of the dashboard, creating a wrap-around effect for those sitting up front, while a large asymmetrical screen faces the driver as part of the new Panoramic iDrive system. Above these elements, a 3D head-up display handles navigation duties and provides spatial information to show where you are on the road.

There are digital screens and widgets aplenty, but many will rejoice to hear that the new multifunction steering wheel has retained its physical controls, and its button controls promise satisfying, tactile feedback.

So, the Munich motor show seemed like a pivotal moment for BMW. With the iX3 and the introduction of its Neue Klasse, it's clear the manufacturer is setting its sights on the future of automotive innovation, without losing sight of its past. But what are your initial thoughts on BMW's new chapter with the iX3 and the Neue Klasse?

Hero image credit:  Blackcircles.com