Business
18 September, 2025
‘Neue klasse’ heralds fresh era for BMW style and focus
BMW has unveiled the first model of its ‘neue klasse’ (new class) design and style – the next-generation BMW iX3 in Munich.
The BMW iX3 represents a milestone in the transformation of the BMW Group while also playing a key and foundational role in the future direction of the company.
The fully electric sports activity vehicle (SAV) spearheads the arrival of the neue klasse and gives customers their first taste of the significant advances that BMW has made in the areas of design, electrification, driving dynamics, digitalisation and circularity.
It integrates sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, offers a driving range of up to 805 kilometres (WLTP), 400kW charging, a characterful design language, BMW Panoramic iDrive and a holistic sustainability concept.
The pioneering electronics and software architecture – with its four “superbrain” high-performance computers covering driving dynamics, automated driving, infotainment, and basic and comfort-enhancing functions – opens up a new stratum of digital experiences.
“The neue klasse is our biggest future-focused project and marks a huge leap forward in terms of technologies, driving experience and design,” said BMW chairman Oliver Zipse.
“Practically everything about it is new, yet it is also more BMW than ever,” he said.
“Our whole product range will benefit from the innovations brought by the neue klasse – whichever drive system technology is employed.
“What started as a bold vision has now become reality: the BMW iX3 is the first neue klasse model to go into series production.
“We are not only bringing the next generation of one of our most successful fully electric vehicles onto the road, we are launching a new era for BMW.”
Production of the new iX3 will commence at the new BMW Group Plant Debrecen in Hungary later this year for certain markets, while vehicles bound for Australia will go into production early next year at the same facility. Local deliveries are set to start by mid-2026.
The BMW iX3 50 xDrive represents the launch offering and will be the first iX3 variant offered in Australia. Further fully electric variants will follow in the future.
The 2026 BMW iX3 50 xDrive features a dual motor configuration, xDrive, and produces 345kW of power and 645Nm of torque. Its high-voltage battery – which features cylindrical cells and 800V technology – has a usable energy content of 108kWh, enabling driving range of up to 805km (WLTP).
