BMW just broke its own mold with the iX3, the first production vehicle built on its highly anticipated Neue Klasse platform. After two years of teasing dashboard displays and prototype drives, the German automaker delivers a compact SUV that feels like a genuine return to form - blending classic BMW driving dynamics with cutting-edge EV technology that could actually move the needle on electric adoption.
BMW has been building anticipation for its Neue Klasse platform for two solid years, dropping hints about revolutionary displays and completely reimagined safety systems. But after getting behind the wheel of the production iX3, it's clear the wait was worth it. This isn't just another electric crossover - it's BMW rediscovering what made it special in the first place. The iX3 represents the company's first ground-up EV platform, and the difference is immediately apparent. Unlike previous BMW electrics that felt like retrofitted gas cars, this compact SUV was designed around electrons from day one. BMW tucked a massive 108.7kWh battery pack low in the chassis, then mounted dual motors front and rear for 463 horsepower and 476 pound-feet of torque through all four wheels. The result? Around 400 miles of EPA range - roughly 40 more than Tesla's longest-range Model Y. What really sets the iX3 apart is BMW's new electrical architecture. The company's engineers emphasized that silicon-carbide inverters and more efficient motors are the real breakthrough here, not just bigger batteries. The system supports up to 400kW fast charging through a NACS plug - BMW's first to adopt the Tesla-style connector. Step inside and you're greeted by what BMW calls the Panoramic Vision display - a pillar-to-pillar screen that functions as both gauge cluster and customizable information hub. Add a 3D heads-up display floating above that, plus a 17.9-inch diamond-shaped touchscreen, and you've got what feels like display overload at first glance. But surprisingly, it all works together seamlessly once you adjust. If it feels like too much, individual sections can be disabled easily. The real magic happens when you enable BMW's Highway Assistant. Unlike other semi-autonomous systems that fight you for control, this one feels collaborative. Grab the steering wheel anytime without resistance, let go and the car smoothly takes over again. Want to change lanes? Glance in the mirror and it handles the maneuver automatically, or grab the wheel yourself and it applies the turn signal for you. The system even stays active when you brake to a complete stop, then smoothly accelerates back to speed when traffic clears. It's this kind of seamless integration that separates the iX3 from BMW's previous electric attempts. On country roads, the dual-motor setup reveals its personality. In Personal mode, the iX3 feels predictable and secure - you can drive aggressively without drama. But switch to Sport mode and something interesting happens: the tail kicks out slightly under hard acceleration, delivering that classic rear-wheel-drive BMW feeling despite the all-wheel-drive setup. The steering provides sharp feedback with respectable road feel, reminiscent of BMWs from their glory days. This isn't the fastest EV on the market, but the suspension strikes an impressive balance between comfort and sporty response. might have started the EV revolution, but BMW is betting drivers still want engaging dynamics alongside their electrons. The iX3 feels like a genuine return to the brand's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, wrapped in sustainable packaging. Of course, there are potential hurdles. BMW's recent design language has been polarizing, and the iX3 certainly looks edgy. The styling grows on you after extended exposure, particularly from the rear three-quarter view, but first impressions might turn off conservative buyers. More critically, pricing could be the real challenge. BMW hasn't finalized numbers but confirms the iX3 will start around $60,000 - at least $10,000 more than a base X3. With federal EV incentives no longer available for BMW, that premium represents a significant leap for mainstream buyers. But for those with budget flexibility, the value proposition becomes compelling. The iX3 offers Tesla-beating range, genuinely engaging driving dynamics, and technology integration that feels years ahead of most competitors. BMW appears to have cracked the code on making an electric vehicle that doesn't compromise the brand's core identity.
