by Presentation of the New Generation BMW iX3
The second generation of the BMW iX3 will debut not only as an updated and improved version of the original model but also as the first car in the Neue Klasse lineup, which will define the direction of the brand’s development for the next decade. Software plays a central role in this transformation. BMW emphasizes that the digital foundation of these cars will be key to their evolution, and the iX3 is designed to receive up to three major updates per year.
Key Technological Innovations
BMW positions the Neue Klasse as a significant technological breakthrough, particularly thanks to the so-called “Heart of Joy” – a high-performance control unit that will be used by all future models. It works together with the proprietary Dynamic Performance Control software and manages all driving-related processes, including wheel and steering control, within milliseconds.
Christoph Grote, Senior Vice President of Electronics and Software at BMW, noted: “I hardly know any BMW driver who, after a few laps on the track with the new iX3, wouldn’t get out of the car with a broad smile. It’s hard to put into words. You have to experience it. The car handles very easily, almost playfully, and with incredible precision.”
Continuous Development and Updates
BMW also emphasizes the long-term potential of its developments. Every electronic system in the Neue Klasse is designed for over-the-air updates, guaranteeing that the iX3 will receive new features even after leaving the factory. The same will apply to all future models in this lineup.
Grote added: “Most competitors can only update the infotainment system, but we can update the entire car – all control units, the drivetrain, charging, ADAS… This is an important capability for a software-defined vehicle. Compared to our current production cars, the software volume in the New Class models has increased approximately fourfold. That’s why it’s great that we already have a lot of experience with over-the-air updates, and that in the future, installing an update at BMW will also be completed in about 20 minutes – for all types of drivetrains.”
Future Plans
BMW’s next-generation electronic systems are set to appear in 40 models by the end of 2027, and all of them will receive frequent updates.
“In terms of functionality, we are constantly evolving for our customers. We plan to release three updates per year, which will also bring tangible new functions to customers,” said Grote, speaking about the iX3. “This allows us to keep the cars modern for a very long time without physical intervention in the car itself. Our customers will experience many exciting innovations in the New Class cars in the coming years.”
Photos belong to Stefan Baldauf and Guido ten Brink.
The planned scale of new technology implementation indicates global changes in BMW’s approach to car manufacturing. The quadrupling of software volume compared to previous generations not only improves functionality but also creates the preconditions for future innovations that can be added remotely. This is especially important in the context of rapid technological development, where physical hardware updates are becoming less relevant compared to software improvements. BMW’s approach to over-the-air updates for all vehicle systems sets a new standard in the industry, where most manufacturers are still limited to multimedia updates.
