The Beginning of the Neue Klasse Era
BMW has officially begun a new era in its history by introducing the 2026 iX3 model at the International Motor Show in Munich. This event not only marked the start of a new phase for the brand’s entire vehicle lineup but also demonstrated that the company is ready to compete in the global market with its innovative developments.
Key Features of the iX3
Demand for the New Model
Just two months after the presentation, BMW Group CEO Christian Ah reported that interest in the iX3 has exceeded even the company’s most optimistic forecasts. He noted:
We received over 3,000 orders for the iX3 within the first six weeks after its launch at the IAA in Munich.
This number may seem small compared to China’s figures, but the context suggests otherwise. For example, in Germany, 2.8 million new passenger cars were sold last year, while in China this figure exceeded 31 million. It is also impressive that BMW has not yet started offering test drives for this model.
Technical Specifications
At the start of sales, only one version of the iX3 will be available – the iX3 50 xDrive. It is equipped with two electric motors that together produce 463 hp and 645 Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.
Equally important is the range: 400 miles according to the EPA standard thanks to a 108 kWh battery that can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes.
Production Capacity and Future Models
Christian Ah added that the planned iX3 production volumes until 2026 will not be able to meet the high demand. The next model in the Neue Klasse lineup will be the i3, which, despite the familiar name, will be a full-fledged electric version of the 3 Series, not a compact hatchback as before. It is expected to inherit most of the powertrain technologies from the iX3.
Given the rapid development of electric transportation, the success of the iX3 could become an important step for BMW in the fight for leadership in the European market. The growing demand for electric vehicles coincides with global trends, making such launches key to the future of the automotive industry. Companies will have to adapt their production capacities to meet customer expectations and maintain competitiveness.