BMW's new SUV, the iX3, claiming to set new benchmarks in the class?
Bustin' Standards: BMW iX3's Innovative Journey
By Patrick Broich, Miramas
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Breaking tradition has its perks, yet breathes fresh pressure. BMW embarked on that path when reviving the "New Class" label for the iX3. With the label comes severe anticipation that could make or break them. ntv.de was given a sneak peek of the iX3 under heavy development.
The engineers at BMW must have had quite the scramble in the 'reincarnation' of the 'New Class'. It's a ticking time bomb—designing a platform from scratch is no small feat, especially for an electric one. Pressure comes from all angles: Europe's cautious embrace of electric cars, China flooding the market with electric marvels, and U.S. market shifts due to tariffs, among others. BMW can't afford to stumble with the iX3—and they're kicking things off with their midsize SUV. Usually, aesthetics introduce a new car; however, the iX3 remains under wraps in this early phase.
Instead, we get a tech-focused tour—from the power system to the suspension, and control systems. But a little bonus comes with the demo of the new interface design on the central touchscreen. There, the spick-and-span looking iX3 reveals itself as an astonishing graphic. Thankfully, photographic memories are rare. The anticipation is the greatest joy—and there's plenty to be joyful about in this New Class!
The display "band" called Panoramic iDrive between the instrument panel and windshield is a feast for digital natives. Its configurable style offers a range of topics, from the current music station to the altitude display, all customizable to your preference. It's not all candy and rainbows—you can't display the altitude and daily mileage counter simultaneously, for example.
However, any disappointment fades away when test-driving the driving dynamics control systems. Off on the track, the iX3 proves itself as a lightweight corner-carver, obliterating any doubts about its mass (data pending). Though it's an electric vehicle, the driver won't even notice the weight. The steering stands out with a unique blend of lightness and precision—a potential game-changer for those who associate electric drives with a loss of emotional dynamics due to the lacking engine sound.
The regenerative braking system is a small but appreciated gimmick. It subtly modulates the braking torque as the vehicle approaches a stop, preventing the infamous jolt when stopping at traffic lights. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the firmer and more responsive handling in 'Sport' mode.
The iX3 boasts several controls, including a single central 'Heart of Joy,' BMW's electronic nervous system for the platform—a combination of four control units. This upgrade echoes critics who admire simplicity, like Tesla's renowned streamlining of control complexity. A far cry from the BASIC 'dumb' controller—the new system provides seamless integration of functions, optimizing both performance and efficiency.
Handling isn't just for the winding roads: The iX3 also demonstrates swift speed on motorways. A quick pitstop at the charging station ascertains that the new round-cell battery, boasting a 20% higher energy density, accepts power at mind-boggling speeds. However, weather conditions and charger buffering could influence the charging performance—future practical tests will reveal the truth.
BMW isn't shy when it comes to assistance features. The crowning jewel? Simplification of parking automation. The iX3 elegantly positions itself even in less-than-ideal parking spots, completing the dance autonomously. Advanced driver-assistance features like lane-change warnings, road priority warnings, and safe exit monitoring complete the package, ensuring effortless and secure navigation.
The details aren't all ironed out yet—BMW cautiously holds information about battery power consumption, top speed, and available variants—including a tantalizing possibility of an M version. Interested parties can catch the iX3's grand unveiling at the IAA Mobility in September.
Source: ntv.de
Key Features of the 2026 BMW iX3:
- Panoramic iDrive: Gargantuan, angled central touchscreen provides intuitive control.
- Panoramic Vision Display: Wide, customizable information strip at the base of the windshield, promoting situational awareness.
- Advanced UI & AI Voice Control: Streamlined interface leverages AI for natural speech recognition.
- Augmented Reality and Head-Up Display: AR navigation instructions and critical driving data projected onto the windshield, enhancing driver focus.
- Enhanced Driver Assistance: A suite of advanced driver aids, including lane assistance, road priority warnings, safe exit monitoring, and an advanced Assisted View.
- Automated Motorway and City Assistants: Capability to handle motorway driving, including automatic lane changes, and autonomously manage urban navigation, braking, and turning.
- Symbiotic Driver Assistance: Seamless interaction between technology and driver, enabling cooperative steering and braking.
- High Performance: Expected to exceed 400 horsepower, placing it among the top performers in the electric SUV segment.
- Efficient Energy Management: New architecture design focuses on greater efficiency, longer range, and improved battery longevity.
- Ultra-Fast Charging: 800V electrical architecture for rapid DC charging speeds, reducing long-distance travel charging times.
- The BMW iX3, a midsize SUV and part of the 'New Class', is not only designed for transportation, but it also represents a leap of faith for the automotive industry, partly due to the challenges presented by the shift towards electric vehicles.
- The development of the iX3 involves various aspects, including transportation-related considerations, as well as the integration of technology such as the power system, suspension, and control systems.
- Financial aspects are also crucial, as the success of the iX3 can significantly impact BMW's standing within the automotive finance sector.
- The lifestyle implications of the iX3, with its focus on efficiency and technology, position it as a potential game-changer in the automotive market, while electric vehicles continue to gain prominence in various industries.
