by A New Era for BMW Begins with Record Pre-Orders
The revolutionary Neue Klasse platform has barely launched, and BMW is already facing a pleasant problem – exceptionally high demand. The new electric iX3 crossover is being snapped up so quickly that it is practically sold out until the end of 2026. This has forced the company to accelerate plans to introduce additional production shifts.
This is a significant sign of trust in a car that customers haven’t even had a chance to test yet. Since its debut last autumn, the iX3 has accounted for about a third of all BMW’s electric orders in Europe. Deliveries will only begin in March, but most of the planned production volume has already been allocated.
Demand for the Neue Klasse iX3 is so strong that BMW is adding production shifts ahead of schedule.
Accelerating Production at the New Plant
To prevent waiting times from stretching into next winter, BMW is moving up the introduction of a second production shift at its new plant in Debrecen, Hungary. This is BMW’s first facility built exclusively for electric vehicles. Although the plant is eventually slated to produce around 150,000 cars per year, it is currently still ramping up capacity. Clearly, this ramp-up now has to happen faster.
This situation is important not just for one crossover. The iX3 is the first model on the completely new Neue Klasse platform and wears the bold, modern design characteristic of this generation. The same design is expected for the future replacement of the 3 Series, which will debut later this year.
Successful early sales are a good sign for the Neue Klasse 3-Series, which will appear later this year.
Updates for the 2027 Model Year
BMW is not wasting time and is already introducing improvements to make the iX3 even more attractive. From spring, the compact crossover will receive an optional upgrade for 22 kW AC charging, which will reduce charging time at home or work. A Vehicle to Load function will also appear, allowing it to power external devices with up to 3.7 kW, making camping more comfortable.
New paint options are being added, including the metallic green “Eucalyptus” and matte “Space Silver.” There will also be some changes to the interior trim and new options, such as a stainless steel luggage compartment sill, a bright white steering wheel, and a key with M-colored stripes.
BMW is also improving charging, colors, and range for the iX3 and other electric SUVs.
Improvements for Smaller Electric Crossovers
BMW hasn’t forgotten about its older electric models, even if the iX3 is stealing all the attention. The iX1 and iX2 crossovers will receive more efficient silicon carbide semiconductor components, which will increase the range by approximately 40 kilometers depending on the version. This is a useful improvement for daily use. For example, the previously modest range of the most powerful eDrive20 version could increase to 514 kilometers.
Such hype around the first Neue Klasse car could be decisive for BMW in its electric transformation. The success of the iX3 not only confirms the correctness of the chosen design and technical path but also creates a solid foundation for future models, such as the electric “three.” The company’s quick reaction to demand – accelerating production and instantly improving technical specifications – demonstrates flexibility and readiness to compete in a market that is evolving at an incredible pace. This may also signal that consumers are finally ready to accept premium electric cars that offer not only environmental friendliness but also compelling technology and design.
