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The new BMW iX3 is still undergoing final testing but when it arrives in the UK it will have an electric driving range of almost 500 miles and 400kW ultra-rapid charging.
The world premiere of the first ‘Neue Klasse’ series production model will be at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich in September before production starts at the end of the year.
All future BMW models, regardless of powertrain type, will benefit from the innovations and technology clusters of the Neue Klasse.
The new technologies at a glance include:
• BMW Panoramic iDrive display and operating concept
• The all-electric 6th generation powertrain (Gen6) in the new BMW iX3 50 xDrive has an electric range of up to 496 miles (WLTP) and can be charged to provide a range of more than 217 miles in just 10 minutes.
• The ‘Heart of Joy’ control computer and the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software stack raise the dynamic potential of electric powertrains to a new level.
The BMW Panoramic iDrive shows all relevant driving information in the driver’s ideal line of sight and maximises ergonomic efficiency and safety. Four elements come together to make a unique user experience:
• BMW Panoramic Vision: information is projected onto a black printed surface in the windscreen from A-pillar to A-pillar.
• 3D Head-Up Display: the optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display projects information for navigation and automated driving into the driver’s direct field of vision above the BMW Panoramic Vision Display.
• Central Display with matrix backlight technology: the free-cut-design display is in an ergonomically ideal position near the steering wheel.
• Shy-tech multifunction steering wheel: buttons are illuminated when functions are available; relief-like structure and active haptic feedback enable intuitive operation without the driver having to take his or her eyes off the road.
The BMW Panoramic iDrive runs under the BMW Operating System X, also a new development. It offers extensive customisability, intelligent support for the driver and extensive software updates. BMW’s motto “Hands on the Wheel, Eyes on the Road” is redefined with a well-balanced mix of physical controls and digital functions. BMW Panoramic iDrive will ensure user-friendly and intuitive operation in every vehicle segment and with every powertrain concept.
The high-voltage battery concept for the 6th generation of BMW eDrive technology (Gen6) is fundamentally new, and together with the revised electric drive system portfolio, offers an optimum solution for all vehicle segments. The Gen6 system will be making its debut in the BMW iX3 and will then be rolled out across all vehicle segments.
The centrepiece of the high-voltage battery – the BMW cylindrical battery cell – has an energy density 20 per cent greater that the prismatic cells previously used. The cells are integrated directly into the high-voltage battery, which plays an important role in the body structure of Neue Klasse models.
With 400kW maximum charging, customers can add over 217 miles maximum (WLTP) to their vehicle’s range in just 10 minutes. Gen6 technology allows users to monitor the charging performance and curve live via the My BMW App. The iX3 can charge using 800V or 400V technology. The high energy content of the high-voltage battery, together with the efficient design of the powertrain and the overall vehicle, enables a range of up to 496 miles (WLTP).
Making the charging process even more user friendly is the intelligent charging flap, which detects when the driver is intending to stop to charge the car and opens (and then closes) automatically. One of the triggers for opening the flap is AI-assisted: if the customer approaches a familiar or learned charging point, the progress towards it reveals an intention to charge and the flap opens.
The new BMW iX3 will also introduce extensive bidirectional charging functions – to-Load, to-Home and to-Grid:
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) turns the vehicle into a powerful mobile powerbank (up to 3.7kW in Europe) and supplies energy for one or several consumers, wherever customers need it. Bidirectional charging capability turns the BMW iX3 into an at-home energy storage unit. Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) helps customers to reduce costs. Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) sets new standards for the integration of the vehicle into the energy market. Both functions contribute to lowering emissions and increasing the use of regenerative energy sources. In this way, the BMW Group demonstrates that it is part of the solution as we work towards energy transformation.
Providing the key to bidirectional charging alongside the technology involved, the new BMW Wallbox (DC) offers 19.2kW charging and discharging depending on the market. The BMW charging equipment has been redesigned and is now easier to use, and now also includes selected adapters e.g. for vehicle-to-load (V2L) use cases.
Together with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software stack, the Heart of Joy is pivotal to powertrain, brakes, recuperation and sub-functions of the steering system. It processes information ten times faster than previous systems and therefore responds more directly than ever to the driver’s command.
Fewer control inputs are required, directional stability is more precise and stable. As a result, the vehicle develops consistent and reproducible cornering characteristics and can be steered intuitively.
Powertrain and braking functions also work together to decelerate the vehicle. Recuperation can be used across the whole speed range down to a standstill. In 98 percent of cases, the vehicle can be brought to a standstill without applying the friction brakes – without noise or jolts.
