New BMW iX3 undergoes scorching shakedown ahead of 2025 reveal

• All-new BMW iX3 electric SUV
• First of BMW’s ‘Neue Klasse’ models to launch
• Full reveal later in 2025

The all-new BMW iX3 is inching closer to production, and it’s been snapped testing in blistering desert conditions as part of its final development stages.

The mid-size SUV has a significant role to play for BMW. It will introduce the marque’s fresh ‘Neue Klasse’ design language – as previewed with the Neue Klasse X concept – and will sit on a brand new electric platform. While we don’t know exactly when it will appear, BMW has confirmed that it will make its debut this year, followed swiftly by a string of new models until 2027, including the next-gen 3 Series and X5.

What will the new BMW iX3 look like?

A lot like the Neue Klasse X concept car, judging by these latest photos. Even with the hypnotic black and white camouflage, we can make out the new iX3’s chunky SUV proportions, plus some of the smaller details typical of the Neue Klasse design language. 

The front end will be defined by a mask-like motif, incorporating the headlights, various advanced safety sensors and a small pair of BMW’s kidney grilles. It’s sure to be a big departure from the brand’s current lineup, with the giant grilles seen in recent years stirring some controversy among car buyers – we’re looking at you, BMW 4 Series.

Along the iX3’s sides, there’s little in the way of detail or hard creases, much like the iX and the latest X3. Instead, BMW has opted for clean surfaces, with flush-mounted door handles for improved aerodynamics. At the rear, we can see wide, horizontal tail-lights, presumably inspired by the Neue Klasse X concept and other BMW models like the XM SUV.

What about the iX3’s interior?

The new iX3 will introduce BMW’s ‘Panoramic iDrive’ system to the world. It’s a ground-up, freshly-developed infotainment system that presents a different approach to in-car driving information and entertainment.

Key to the system is the ‘Panoramic Vision’ display. Unlike a traditional screen, this display is projected across the full width of the lower windscreen, providing information like speed, navigation and more. A giant 17.9-inch infotainment screen will sit at the centre of the dashboard below, which will be used for adjusting settings, navigation and climate control.

As part of the new Panoramic iDrive system, BMW has ditched its once-revolutionary rotary infotainment controller, which first appeared in the 2001 7 Series. 

What important battery and range specs do we know?

Specs and performance figures are largely speculation at this point, but we know the iX3 will utilise BMW’s all-new Neue Klasse car platform. While this isn’t exclusive to electric cars, the iX3 will be an EV only – the petrol-powered X3 is available for buyers who want a more traditional SUV.

It will make use of an 800-volt electric architecture, which is cutting-edge stuff for the EV industry at the moment. It’s a technology also used by the Audi Q6 e-tron and Porsche Macan Electric, which will be two of the iX3’s most important rivals. BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology will power the iX3, with a probable range figure of upwards of 350 miles if it’s to be competitive with today’s longest-range EVs.

While BMW is likely to offer an entry-level iX3 with a single, rear-mounted electric motor, the Neue Klasse platform has the capacity to support up to four motors – one for each wheel. This setup will be used for the upcoming electric BMW M3, but it’s not clear whether a hot iX3 M will get the tech.

How much will the iX3 cost?

The current BMW iX3 costs from just over £65,000, but we wouldn’t be surprised if the new model gets a price bump, given all the new tech. Entry-level models could cost around £70,000, increasing to £90,000 for higher-spec, dual-motor versions.

The new iX3 is expected to be unveiled in full later this year – BMW hasn’t specified exactly when, but the 2025 Munich Motor Show in September looks promising.

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