BMW iX3

Model Overview

The BMW iX3 is the BMW Group's first production model built on the all-new Neue Klasse dedicated EV platform, marking a major milestone in the brand's electrification strategy. Tailored to local preferences in China, BMW introduced a long-wheelbase version produced locally by BMW Brilliance, which made its global debut at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2026 ahead of an official launch in the second half of 2026. Compared to the global-spec model, the China-made long-wheelbase variant gains an extra 108 mm between the wheels to measure 3,005 mm, with all the added length dedicated to rear passenger legroom. Positioned as a mid-size luxury all-electric SUV, it goes up against key rivals including the Mercedes-Benz EQC, Audi Q5 e-tron, and Tesla Model Y. For international markets, the new-generation iX3 went on sale first in South Korea in June 2026.

Design Language

Styling-wise, the new-generation iX3 strikes a balance between retro heritage and futuristic cues. The front fascia draws inspiration from the 1960s BMW 1500, featuring a compact kidney grille framed by illuminated LED contour lighting for high visual impact. The smoked headlight assemblies flank the front end, integrating "Digital Angel Wings" daytime running lights (DRLs) that work in tandem with the 3D Iconic Glow grille to define the signature face of next-generation BMW EVs. Along the sides, the profile is clean and sculpted, fitted with flush pop-out door handles to lower wind resistance. The signature Hofmeister kink evolves into a "Mirror Light Kink" on the Chinese model, using titanium oxide patterns to create a distinctive "reflective outside, transparent inside" dynamic lighting effect. At the rear, non-continuous L-shaped "Sky Feather" taillights feature a sunken centre section that nods to BMW M performance DNA. Dimensions for the China-made long-wheelbase variant stand at 4,885 mm long, 1,895 mm wide, and 1,635 mm tall, with a 3,005 mm wheelbase. A total of 9 exterior colours are offered, including Mineral White, Skyscraper Grey, Marina Bay Blue, and Carbon Black. Inside, the cabin adopts the all-new "Visual Cone" design concept, headlined by the BMW Panoramic Vision head-up display, an eye-level panoramic projection system, and a floating quadrilateral infotainment touchscreen for an avant-garde, tech-forward ambiance.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the skin, the new-generation iX3 is powered by BMW's sixth-generation eDrive electric propulsion system built on an 800V high-voltage architecture, supporting ultra-fast DC charging speeds of up to 350–400 kW. The China-made long-wheelbase variant features an all-wheel-drive (AWD) dual-motor setup combining a front asynchronous motor and a rear electrically excited synchronous motor, generating a combined output of 345 kW and 645 Nm of peak torque, completing the 0–100 km/h sprint in just 4.9 seconds. For global markets, a single-motor rear-wheel-drive (RWD) iX3 40 variant is also available, producing 315 hp and hitting 0–100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.

As for the battery, the China-made long-wheelbase model packs a 108 kWh large cylindrical battery pack. Aided by cell-to-pack (CTP) integration and cell-to-body (CTB) structural architecture, the CLTC-rated electric driving range exceeds 900 km, with an official power consumption figure as low as 15.1 kWh/100 km. When plugged into a fast charger, it can recoup around 427 km of range in just 10 minutes. Over in South Korea, the single-motor iX3 50 xDrive is certified for 611 km of range under local test standards; meanwhile, the entry-level iX3 40 is equipped with an 82.6 kWh battery pack delivering up to 635 km of WLTP range.

Chassis and Handling

The chassis of the new-generation iX3 is newly engineered from the ground up on the Neue Klasse dedicated EV platform. Up front, it rides on a double-joint spring-strut independent suspension, paired with a multi-link independent setup at the rear. Even without air suspension or CDC adaptive damping, BMW's renowned chassis tuning delivers a well-judged balance of ride comfort and dynamic handling. Driving dynamics are orchestrated by the "Heart of Joy" dynamic control supercomputer working alongside four domain-specific "Superbrains" managing ADAS, infotainment, and other core functions, significantly sharpening vehicle response times and overall agility. Despite its extended wheelbase, the China-made variant retains rock-solid handling stability courtesy of the low centre of gravity provided by the underfloor battery layout.

Cabin and Equipment

The digital cockpit stands out as a headline feature of the new-generation iX3. The EV runs on the BMW Operating System X for Neue Klasse, paired with a 17.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen and a 3D head-up display (HUD). The debut BMW Panoramic Vision system projects essential driving information across the lower section of the windscreen, working alongside the 3D HUD and central screen to deliver a driver-focused "Visual Cone" interface. The domestic Chinese model benefits from extensive local ecosystem integration: it features a bespoke BMW large language model co-developed with Alibaba, incorporates cutting-edge DeepSeek AI capabilities, and natively supports platforms such as the HarmonyOS ecosystem and HUAWEI HiCar. The front passenger also gets a dedicated free-form entertainment display boasting a 1,080×3,160 resolution. On the comfort front, a fixed panoramic glass roof with triple-silver low-emissivity (Low-E) coating blocks 99.9% of UV rays. The China-spec model also features market-exclusive semi-concealed door handles with electric and mechanical dual-mode operation, backed by a triple safety redundancy mechanism.

Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

On the active safety and ADAS front, the new-generation iX3 comes equipped with a full-scenario Navigation on Autopilot (NOA) system jointly developed by BMW and Momenta. Custom-engineered for complex road conditions and local driving habits, the system covers highway and urban navigation, smoothly handling tricky maneuvers such as aggressive cut-ins and unprotected night-time turns across traffic to deliver point-to-point semi-autonomous driving. Hardware-wise, the suite runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon Ride platform, combining high-performance automotive-grade SoCs with advanced vision modules. BMW maintains that its driver assistance development philosophy is grounded in "Safety First, Human-Machine Co-Pilot, and Intelligence-Driven" principles. In terms of passive safety, the vehicle is fitted with a comprehensive multi-airbag system alongside structural battery protection integrated into the 800V high-voltage architecture.

Market Performance and Reception

In overseas markets, the new-generation iX3 debuted first in South Korea with a starting price equivalent to approximately RM352,000. In Germany, the entry-level iX3 40 starts at 63,400 euros, undercutting the 50 xDrive variant by 7,500 euros. In China, the locally built long-wheelbase version is projected to start around the RM300,000 mark. Order books have also opened in Taiwan, where the line-up comprises the iX3 40 M Sport and iX3 50 xDrive M Sport variants. Early motoring media reviews have praised the new iX3, noting that its dedicated Neue Klasse EV platform, 900 km-plus ultra-long range, 800V ultra-fast charging capability, and tailored smart cockpit and ADAS tech make it a formidable contender in the premium electric SUV segment. As the pioneer of BMW's Neue Klasse EV era, the iX3 shoulders the brand's ambition to redefine "Sheer Driving Pleasure" and "Tech Luxury" in the zero-emission age.