The all-new iX3 marks the dawn of BMW’s ‘Neue Klasse’ revolution. Simon Harris tests the tech-forward trailblazer set to define the next generation of the Ultimate Driving Machine.

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BMW iX3

WHAT IS IT?  Large electric SUV HOW MUCH?  From £58,690  HOW FAR?  500 miles  HOW LONG TO CHARGE 10-80%? 21 minutes (400kW DC charger)

BMW was a genuine electric pioneer with the original i3, and the more recent i4 proved the brand could deliver a highly competent, traditional driving experience without an engine.

But the new iX3 feels like a true new beginning – heralded by the term ‘neue klasse’, previously used to define new BMW products in the early 1960s. While the iX3’s predecessor was a solid, if compromised, conversion of a petrol-powered chassis, this clean-sheet-of-paper design represents a massive leap ahead that pushes BMW past its main rivals.

The engineering shift is fundamental. In previous iterations, the battery sat as a heavy mass on top of the frame. In this new model, the battery structure is an integral part of the chassis itself. This integration has allowed for a significant weight saving, stripping away the ‘dead weight’ of a separate tray while significantly boosting torsional rigidity.

Driving the xDrive 50 variants, the results are immediate. The iX3 avoids the unsettled, heavy-footed feel that plagues so many SUVs in this sector. The damping is superb, managing to iron out broken surfaces while maintaining the poised, flat cornering attitude expected of the brand. It doesn’t just feel like a ‘good EV’; it feels like a well-sorted BMW that happens to be electric.

The efficiency gains from this new architecture are most evident in the headline figures. The entry-level car now offers a range of up to 500 miles, with only a slight reduction for the larger-wheeled M Sport and M Sport Pro grades. While we focused on the dual-motor xDrive 50, sDrive versions and alternative power outputs are likely to follow, offering a broader choice for different fleet requirements.

For now, 469hp and 645Nm are the key figures in this dual-model version, giving it rapid acceleration when needed.

Inside, the standout feature is the Panoramic iDrive. BMW has clearly taken the user interface seriously, avoiding the trap of technology for technology’s sake. By projecting critical data across the dark-coated area at the base of the windscreen, the system keeps the driver’s eyes on the road.

Crucially for the high-mileage fleet driver, the system is highly customisable. The driver can select exactly which elements of data are displayed, from navigation prompts to efficiency metrics, ensuring there is no chance of being overwhelmed. It is a highly intuitive piece of kit that I imagine would feel indispensable after just a few days of use. It reduces cognitive load, making it a grown-up choice for those spending long hours behind the wheel.

For the user-chooser, the appeal is clear. The iX3 has moved from being a sensible electric alternative to a far more desirable car than its predecessor. By starting from scratch, BMW has delivered a level of agility and efficiency that gives it a clear edge in a crowded market.

From a fleet perspective, the bespoke architecture doesn’t just improve the drive; it likely enhances the overall business case through reduced mass and better energy management. While the previous model was a competent stopgap, this new version is a more refined, more capable and significantly more desirable tool for the modern fleet.

Its 800V charging architecture – putting it on a par with the best currently available – means it could add 231 miles of range from a low battery in just 10 minutes. Your coffee might still be too hot to drink at that point.

What’s not to like? Well, I wasn’t entirely comfortable with the upper upright spoke in the steering wheel. It looks cumbersome and ugly, although it is an excuse to upsell to the M Sport Pro steering wheel option on the M Sport, or just upgrading to the M Sport Pro.

But the BMW iX3 is a masterclass in how to transition a brand’s core DNA into the electric era.

Verdict

By moving to a structural battery and a driver-centric UI, BMW has created a car that is as rewarding to drive as it is easy to live with. More than an evolution of what came before, it is the benchmark for the next generation of premium electric SUVs.

In Brief

Key fleet model: xDrive 50 M Sport

Pros: Agility; performance; efficiency

Cons: Ugly standard steering wheel

Seven-word summary: Sets the new benchmark for premium EVs

Also consider: Audi Q6 e-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQC