Next-Gen BMW iX3 Prototype Will Be Based On The Neue Klasse Platform

BMW is gearing up to introduce the next-generation iX3 electric SUV, the first production model to ride on its much-anticipated Neue Klasse architecture. The vehicle is slated to make its global debut at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich in September 2025 and will enter production shortly thereafter at the company’s newly built plant in Debrecen, Hungary. 

At the core of the new iX3 is BMW’s sixth-generation electric drivetrain, boasting significant performance and efficiency gains. The SUV is claimed to deliver a range of up to 800 km (WLTP) and supports 400 kW fast charging capability. According to BMW, the new charging system enables the iX3 to recover more than 350 km of range in just 10 minutes—placing it among the fastest-charging EVs in its class. 

The technological flagship of the iX3 is BMW's new Panoramic iDrive system. It projects critical driving information across the entire width of the windscreen, from A-pillar to A-pillar, effectively replacing the traditional instrument cluster and enhancing situational awareness. The interface features a 3D head-up display, a central touchscreen using matrix backlight technology, and a multifunction steering wheel with context-aware illuminated buttons.

BMW executives describe the iX3 as a cornerstone of the brand’s electrification strategy. “Longer range, faster charging, an all-new display and operating concept, and the intelligence of four superbrains are the distinguishing features of the Neue Klasse,” said Mike Reichelt, Head of Neue Klasse BMW. “With the upcoming BMW iX3 – the first model of the new car generation – we are introducing fundamental technology upgrades with the clear aim of raising the typical BMW driving pleasure to a whole new level.”

The battery architecture in the new iX3 uses cylindrical cells that offer 20% more energy density than the prismatic cells used in previous BMW EVs. These cells are directly integrated into the vehicle’s high-voltage battery system, which is also a structural component of the vehicle—contributing to both rigidity and efficiency. BMW also introduces an AI-assisted automatic charging flap that opens when the car detects the driver approaching familiar charging locations.

Adding to its sustainability and smart-grid capabilities, the iX3 includes bidirectional charging technology. The system allows the vehicle to serve as a mobile energy source, capable of powering external devices, homes, or even returning electricity to the grid. The BMW Wallbox DC that supports the vehicle offers 19.2 kW charging and discharging, expanding utility beyond transportation.

A hallmark of the Neue Klasse platform is its “four superbrains,” a network of high-performance computing systems that collectively manage key vehicle functions. Among these is the “Heart of Joy,” which governs the integration of powertrain, braking, and steering systems. The computing capacity enables rapid real-time processing, allowing features such as 98% regenerative braking performance and ultra-responsive drive control.

The next-gen iX3 also advances BMW’s ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) capabilities. New features include automatic lane changes, traffic signal recognition, and AI-assisted parking with smart space detection. These systems combine rule-based programming with machine learning to handle complex, real-world scenarios with greater precision.