BMW iX3 Debuts Revolutionary 6th-Gen EV Powertrain
▼ Summary
– BMW provided travel and accommodation for Ars to be briefed on the iX3, though Ars does not accept paid editorial content.
– The all-electric BMW iX3, launching in mid-2026, will have the lowest carbon footprint of any BMW due to sustainable design.
– The iX3 introduces a new corporate face for BMW SUVs, featuring tall, narrow kidney grilles and an optional illuminated design.
– It achieves a drag coefficient of 0.24 and includes a double-bubble roof design for improved aerodynamics.
– The iX3 uses BMW’s sixth-generation electric powertrain, offering 20–25% better efficiency than current SUV EVs.
The upcoming BMW iX3 represents a significant leap forward in electric vehicle technology, introducing the brand’s sixth-generation electric powertrain within the highly anticipated Neue Klasse platform. Designed as an all-electric replacement for the popular X3 crossover, this model is set to arrive in mid-2026 with a strong emphasis on sustainability and efficiency. BMW’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint is evident throughout the design and manufacturing process, making the iX3 one of the most environmentally conscious vehicles in the automaker’s history.
Chairman Oliver Zipse emphasized the importance of the Neue Klasse initiative, describing it as the company’s most forward-looking project to date. He noted that the platform brings groundbreaking advancements in technology, driving dynamics, and design while staying true to BMW’s core identity. The iX3 serves as the first production model under this new architecture, signaling the start of a transformative era for the brand. Innovations developed for the Neue Klasse are expected to influence BMW’s entire product lineup, regardless of propulsion type.
Visually, the iX3 introduces a fresh design language for BMW’s SUV family. It features tall, narrow kidney grilles, a departure from the wider grilles seen on the Neue Klasse sedan, which is widely anticipated to become the next-generation 3 Series. Chrome accents have been replaced with sleek LED elements, and the headlight design offers a modern interpretation of BMW’s classic quad-lamp arrangement. An illuminated grille is available as an optional extra. Despite its traditional two-box SUV silhouette, the iX3 achieves an impressively low drag coefficient of just 0.24.
Under the skin, the iX3 benefits from BMW’s extensive in-house expertise in electric powertrain development. Unlike some competitors who rely on third-party suppliers, BMW has engineered its own sixth-generation electric drive system, prioritizing both performance and efficiency. Early estimates suggest the iX3 will achieve approximately 4 miles per kWh (or 15.5 kWh per 100 km), marking a 20 to 25 percent improvement over current electric SUVs. This boost in efficiency is complemented by class-leading manufacturing techniques aimed at minimizing environmental impact from production through the vehicle’s entire lifecycle.
(Source: Ars Technica)
