BMW extended an invitation for Ars to explore the iX3 by providing flights from Washington, DC, to Malaga, Spain, inclusive of accommodations. Ars maintains a policy against accepting paid editorial content.
The iX3 represents a pivotal development for BMW, heralding the beginning of the Neue Klasse series which draws inspiration from the brand-defining cars of the 1960s. Today's rendition is powered by a fully electric powertrain meticulously crafted by BMW engineers, accompanied by a contemporary aesthetic that reflects the automaker's future design approach. Internally, the iX3 boasts tech features that would have seemed futuristic to owners of the 1962 BMW 1500.
The iX3 is merely one component of BMW's renewed vision for the Neue Klasse; an electric version of the 3 Series sedan is also in the pipeline, likely to captivate driving enthusiasts, particularly with upcoming releases from the M division expected in early 2026. Meanwhile, the current market focus leans towards crossovers and SUVs, or "sports activity vehicles" as BMW terms them, adding to the iX3's introduction.
The Technical Angle
BMW's commitment to sustainability shines through in the iX3's design, making extensive use of recycled materials for battery components, plastics, and aluminum, and simplifying recycling with a monomaterial strategy. The iX3 debuts BMW's sixth-generation electric powertrain upon its market release next summer with the iX3 50 xDrive model, featuring an asynchronous motor at the front axle and an electrically excited synchronous motor at the rear, producing a total of 463 hp (345 kW) and 475 lb-ft (645 Nm) of torque.
Power is drawn from a 108.7-kWh (net), 800 V lithium-ion battery. BMW's evolution from the previous pouch cell/module setup to cylindrical cells measuring 46 mm by 95 mm has resulted in a cell-to-pack system, reducing weight and assembly costs. The battery pack's structure further integrates into the vehicle as its top serves as the car's floor, with seats directly mounted on it, optimizing interior space and weight distribution.