The new 2026 BMW iX3 will debut later this week (Watch the premier live on YouTube at 5 am EST Sept. 5, 2025). Sneak peaks have been given to select journalists, but full details and photos are embargoed until the official reveal on September 5. We’ve even run a preview story showing the new iX3 in action, though camoflauged. And this new iX3, unlike the prior 2021-2025 versions, will make it to the U.S.
So while the full details and images of the 2026 Neue Klasse iX3 have been kept under wraps, BMW has been fairly open about what enthusiasts can expect from the first of the new generation of all-electric models. Martin Kaufmann, SVP of global Powertrain Development at BMW AG stated, “The efficient design of the powertrain together with the high energy content of the high-voltage battery, enable a range of up to 800 km (WLTP) in the BMW iX3, the first model of the Neue Klasse.”
The iX3 will primarily be built in Hungary at BMW’s new, entirely fossil-fuel-free plant in Debrecen. The Debrecen plant will be the primary hub for the first Neue Klasse EV models, though later models will be built at other plants. Future Neue Klasse all-electric iX5, iX6, and iX7 will be assembled at BMW Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina, benefitting from BMW Plant Woodruff, which is also in South Carolina, and the manufacture of BMW’s Gen6 batteries.
Interior and Controls
BMW released images and details for the new BMW Panoramic Vision and BMW Operating System X earlier this year. Expect the iX3 to have a similar look and feel.
Expect major changes to the interior of the iX3 compared to the traditional X3.
Back in January of 2025, BMW released information on the new configuration and technology called BMW Panoramic Vision and the accompanying BMW Operating System X. BMW Panoramic Vision is a new, expansive heads-up display technology that will occupy the lower portion of the whole windscreen and be visible to all occupants. The Vision will appear from A-pillar to A-pillar with the most important information being in line-of-sight for the driver. The system also has an optional BMW 3D Heads-Up Display that can display integrated navigation and automated driving information directly in the driver’s field of vision.
In addition to the new heads-up displays, a new, larger central touchscreen display will provide customizable options to access preferred functions and can be reconfigured with widgets to control various functions. The new multifunction steering wheel should carry over the styling seen on the concept vehicle and provide context-illuminated controls and buttons that should be familiar to drivers of recent BMW models.
The iX3 should also be the first model featuring the new BMW Operating System X. Based on an Android Open Source Project software stack, it offers significant upgrade capabilities ready to grow with available options and functions, including advanced personalization options. Stephan Durach Senior Vice President Connected Company BMW Group stated, “It offers intuitive operation, emotionally engaging experiences and specific personalization. The new BMW iDrive with Operating System X demonstrates the potential of a software-defined vehicle.”
The new operating system includes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which is being constantly enhanced with new functionality and language models to better respond to spoken commands, such as “Take me to a charging station which is close to a food store.” It will also make suggestions based on prior driving choices and routes.
Learn more about the new BMW interior, displays, controls, and software.
Four Superbrains
In March, BMW announced the new “digital nervous system” to be rolled out initially with the Neue Klasse vehicles. According to the press release, “It is more intelligent, more powerful and more efficient and will be rolled out for the first time in the models of the Neue Klasse. Four high-performance computers, also called “Superbrains”, consolidate the computing power for the most important customer functions: infotainment, automated driving, driving dynamics, and basic functions such as vehicle access, climate control, and comfort. The four Superbrains provide more than 20 times the computing power compared to the current vehicle generation and are already designed for upcoming software and function updates, including AI-powered customer experiences.”
Learn more about the Superbrains. Learn more about how the four Superbrains coordinate.
Exterior Look
BMW released images and information about the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept vehicle in 2024. The iX3 should bear a resemblance.
Currently, any photos of an uncamoflauged iX3 remain under embargo. But keen observers can likely pick out many details from the published camoflauged shots as well as taking a close look at the concept BMW Vision Neue Klasse X introduced in 2024.
CarScoops published patent drawings and renderings in November 2024.
Electric Mobility
In February 2025, BMW released information on its advances in all-electric driving. As the new iX3 should be the first to benefit from these new technologies, expect to see faster charging, significantly increased range, and more efficient operation.
Utilizing BMW’s new sixth-generation battery technology, the iX3 is expected to have a greatly-increased range and charging speeds, with a 10 minute charge reportedly giving a driver about 220 miles of range using a fast charging station. While official mileage and charging specifications won’t be released until September 5, expect the numbers to get a lot of attention.
Watch the Premiere
BMW will be live-streaming the premiere of the iX3 on September 5, 2025, starting at 5 a.m. EST for U.S. enthusiasts. So set your alarms early to watch the reveal of the brand new generation of all-electric BMWs.
Watch the live premiere on YouTube.
View the preview video below.
Watch test drive videos of the new iX3.
