First vehicle of the 'New Class' bets on the 6th generation of eDrive engines and an operating system that anticipates the driver's wishes
BMW chose CES 2026 in Las Vegas to unveil the definitive version of the iX3, a vehicle that carries the responsibility of inaugurating the Neue Klasse era (‘New Class’, in German). More than a stand-alone launch, the SUV debuts a software-defined architecture that will serve as the basis for around 40 new models of the group by 2027, marking a break with the German automaker’s traditional engineering.
The great technical asset of the iX3 lies in the 6th generation of the eDrive system. Equipped with new cylindrical battery cells, which promise greater energy density, the iX3 50 xDrive model achieves a range of 805 km in the WLTP cycle. The mechanical assembly delivers 469 hp and 65,8 kgfm, allowing acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,9 seconds.
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Under the chassis, BMW has introduced the “Heart of Joy” concept, a central superprocessor that unifies the control of driving dynamics and powertrain. According to the brand, this system is up to 10 times faster than previous ECUs, resulting in more accurate braking and stability responses.
The technology also enables bidirectional charging. The iX3 supports V2L (vehicle-to-charge), V2H (vehicle-to-home) and V2G (vehicle-to-grid) functions, turning the car into a mobile battery capable of powering homes or returning power to the grid.
Inside, the focus is on the functional minimalism of the BMW Panoramic Vision. The operating system integrates, for the first time, Alexa+ technology based on generative AI, allowing natural dialogues between driver and vehicle. With the car stationary, the cockpit becomes a hub for digital services:
In terms of driving assistance, the iX3 allows the use of the “Highway Assistant”, which makes it possible to take your hands off the wheel at speeds of up to 130 km/h, as long as the driver keeps his attention on the road.
