BMW’s Most Important Car in Decades Is Equal Parts Futuristic and Affordable

We got up close and personal with what is basically a completely electrified X3 and it starts at just below $60,000.

Front view of a dark blue BMW car with illuminated headlights and a distinctive kidney grille, set against a backdrop of misty hills and a soft, colorful sky.

Published 4 hours ago

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Say hello to the all-new 2027 BMW iX3. You may have seen it already, as it debuted in Europe during the Munich auto show a couple weeks ago. It also simultaneously made its first public appearance at the Berlin Marathon.

But it’s now officially here for the first time on North American soil, and I got to check it out personally this past weekend at a special event in New York City.

BMW’s first Neue Klasse vehicle is officially production ready

A dark blue BMW SUV is displayed under a spotlight in an indoor setting with a large scenic backdrop showing misty hills and autumn-colored trees. The car features a prominent kidney grille with illuminated outlines and sleek, modern headlights. The interior appears to have light-colored seats. Several people are visible in the dimly lit background on the left side. — The iX3 is the first production “Neue Klasse” BMW.

The BMW iX3 is one of the Bavarian automaker’s most anticipated models. Not only is it one of the first cars to launch from the brand’s new and revolutionary Neue Klasse product strategy, it’s also the company’s first attempt at producing an all-electrified version of its hot-selling X3 crossover SUV — or “SAV” in BMW speak.

To date, the X3 is BMW’s second-best-selling model behind the X5. Because it basically serves the role as a futuristic X3 EV, it’s also one of the first relatively affordable EVs from the Roundel.

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Several years back, BMW revealed its “Neue Klasse” plan, a roadmap defining the automaker’s vehicle lineup for the next decade and beyond.

More importantly, it solidifies the Bavarian brand’s shift toward a more electric-centric future. The iX3 specifically is one of just 40 new models planned.

The iX3’s styling is heavily inspired by the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X Concept.

Chris Chin

But rather than go all-in on electrification, the Neue Klasse strategy paves the way for both internal combustion-powered vehicles and EV variants. So if you’re worried about losing the ability to get a gas-powered X3, don’t fret. The iX3 just provides buyers flexible options for propulsion, specifically those looking to land an electrified X3 in their driveway.

No analog displays in the iX3 — it’s all digital, with a few physical controls.

Chris Chin

“The BMW iX3 is much more than one vehicle,” said Dr. Joachim Post, one of BMW Group’s board of management executives for product development, during his presentation.

A man in a blue suit holding a card and giving a thumbs-up stands next to a blue BMW iX3 car. The background features a large screen with the text "THE NEXT ULTIMATE DRIVING" and "THE NEW BMW iX3." The car's front grille and headlights are prominently visible. — BMW of North America CEO Sebastian Mackensen introduces the iX3 to media in NYC.

“As the first of our Neue Klasse, the BMW iX3 set new industry standards for user experience, digitalization, driving dynamics and circularity,” Post added. These characteristics will be incorporated throughout our entire vehicle lineup and usher in a whole new era for BMW.”

Unlike BMWs of the recent past, the iX3’s iconic “kidney grilles” shrink down to a more proportionate level.

Chris Chin

Both iX3 variants come with a dual-motor electric-drive system and all-wheel drive. Although BMW didn’t yet fully detail technical specifications, engineers claim the top-spec 50 xDrive model is capable of up to 463 total output horsepower, 475 pound-feet of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds. The 40 xDrive model will be less powerful, of course.

A long list of firsts, plus super-fast charging

A dark blue BMW SUV displayed indoors with a spotlight on it, featuring sleek black alloy wheels and modern headlights. A woman dressed in a white top, beige jacket, and shiny beige pants is leaning against the front right side of the car. The background shows a blurred cityscape with warm sunset colors and several people in shadow. — The iX3 is the first new BMW to sport the latest Neue Klasse design language.

In addition to a completely new modular platform, the iX3 is also one of the first cars to launch with BMW’s new “Heart of Joy” mantra. It describes the automaker’s new methodology, determining how the car’s technologies and in-vehicle systems all harmoniously come together to maintain the brand’s reputation for building the “ultimate driving machines.”

Black BMW SUV parked indoors on a wooden floor with a brick wall background, illuminated by a vertical light tube on the right side. The vehicle's front right turn signal is on, and two people are visible inside the car. There are potted plants in the corner behind the car. — The iX3 will arrive stateside in two forms, 40 xDrive and 50 xDrive.

So, despite the omnipresence of screens, digital displays and futuristic interfaces, BMW’s “Heart of Joy” ensures it’s all executed in a manner that eases driving while still keeping the driver engaged.

The iX3 is also the first vehicle to utilize the brand’s sixth-generation eDrive electric-drive propulsion system.

A modern car interior featuring a large, horizontally oriented touchscreen display on the dashboard. The screen shows a navigation interface with temperature controls at the bottom. The steering wheel is white with integrated buttons, and the dashboard has a sleek, minimalist design with a mix of light and dark materials. — BMW’s latest iDrive system no longer features the brand’s once-iconic rotary control dial. Everything is managed through this center screen.

With the latest enhancements and innovations, BMW says the base iX3 40 xDrive can travel up to 400 miles on a single charge. Additionally, thanks to its use of an 800-volt drive system, the iX3 can recharge up to 175 miles in 10 minutes and 217 miles in just 21, with the appropriate Level 2 fast-charger.

A car dashboard with a digital instrument cluster displaying the parking mode (P), battery charge at 81%, and a range of 328 miles. The cluster also shows a charge and power bar, and a MAX G indicator. A white phone with a textured case is mounted on the left side of the dashboard. In the background, there are several people standing and talking in a dimly lit indoor setting. — A new secondary display on top of the dashboard relays pertinent information for the driver.

Coming soon to a BMW dealer near you

New wheel designs complement the iX3’s revolutionary styling.

Chris Chin

Europe will get its version of the iX3 first, which is often the case for foreign automakers. Their domestic markets tend to receive the new models before export markets do.

For the US market, the iX3 will be available in two trims, which determine the model’s power output, standard equipment and price.

A blue BMW car is showcased in a dimly lit room with a crowd of people around it. The car's front is prominently visible, featuring sleek headlights and the iconic kidney grille. A man is seated inside the car, holding the steering wheel, while another person is reaching towards the driver's side mirror. The background displays a blurred cityscape with warm sunset colors. Several people are taking photos and observing the car. — The iX3 will hit American dealers midway through 2026.

With a claimed estimated starting price of “under $60,000,” the US-spec iX3 40 xDrive and the more powerful and plush iX3 50 xDrive are scheduled to hit dealers in the summer of 2026.

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