BMW confirms the iX3 as the debut model for the ‘Neue Klasse’

BMW has now confirmed the model designation on the sidelines of the presentation of the annual report for 2024. “At the end of this year, the first production model of the NEUE KLASSE, the new BMW iX3, will kick off an unprecedented ramp-up of new models: Across all drivetrain variants and all segments, the BMW Group will release more than 40 new and updated vehicles onto the market by 2027,” BMW writes in the press release.

Pre-series production of the corresponding vehicle at the new Debrecen plant in Hungary has been underway since November 2024, but the press images at the time only showed heavily camouflaged vehicles, with the press release referring to an “electric X model in the Neue Klasse” – the model was previously described as an electric SUV in the 3 Series segment, which is why it seemed obvious that BMW would launch the vehicle as the iX3. This is because no new electric version has been developed for the latest model change of the X3 series, with the New Class model taking over. BMW has not been accepting orders for the ‘old’ iX3 based on the CLAR platform since last autumn.

It is also clear when the Munich-based company will unveil the production model: “What is still hidden under camouflage foil here will be unveiled at the IAA MOBILITY in Munich in early September. There we will present the production model that will be available to our customers,” said BMW CEO Oliver Zipse in his speech on the business figures. “I can already reveal one key detail to you today: this BMW will be released onto the market as the BMW iX3.”

According to Zipse, testing of the vehicle is “in full swing” – a film with footage of the test drives was played during the presentation. “These impressions show that the next BMW iX3 is a typical X model, and a BMW through and through. As I’m sure you saw at the end of the film: The final phase of development for the sporty sedan, the second NEUE KLASSE vehicle, is also progressing rapidly,” continued the BMW boss.

This electric saloon will be built at the Munich plant, which BMW is currently preparing for the production of the New Class. In view of the now confirmed sales designation iX3 for the SUV, it is now very likely that BMW will launch the saloon on the market as the i3 – BMW showed the study for this mid-size saloon two years ago at the IAA 2023 in Munich.

The corresponding Vision ‘Neue Klasse’ X SUV concept followed in the spring of 2024. This concept car provides a glimpse of the design language that is likely to be found under the camouflage of the iX3 prototypes. In terms of technology, it is known that BMW will switch from prismatic battery cells to large-volume round cells and a cell-to-pack concept. With a system voltage of 800 volts, short charging times should be possible. BMW presented the first details of the sixth-generation electric drive systems, which will be installed in the Neue Klasse, in February – with a decisive difference to the electric drives from the current, fifth generation.

bmwgroup.com (announcement), bmwgroup.com (Zipse speech)