Not lengthy to go till BMW lastly unveils the second-generation iX3. Some testing remains to be underway, as evidenced by new spy pictures from Amsterdam. Nonetheless camouflaged, the electrical crossover hides its manufacturing physique underneath acquainted wraps. Nonetheless, one attention-grabbing element stands out: the “NA5” will introduce a brand new wheel design, totally different from the alloys proven throughout the one hundred and fifth Annual Common Assembly when a prototype was introduced onto the stage.
Each units of wheels function a striped design, however these new ones have considerably more room between the spokes. That mentioned, the sooner set may need had detachable aero covers. Who is aware of, perhaps these new wheels additionally help plastic panels you may take off, and BMW merely didn’t set up them for testing. We hope the Imaginative and prescient New class X Idea’s sportier wheels are additionally deliberate for manufacturing, maybe reserved for an M Efficiency model, just like the rumored iX3 M60.
Once we spoke with BMW Group Head of Design Adrian van Hooydonk at Auto Shanghai final month, he informed us that Neue Klasse may also carry new paint finishes. We’ll doubtless have to attend till early September, when the iX3 debuts on the IAA Mobility present in Munich, to see the contemporary colours. Even with out these further customization choices, the next-gen EV will look considerably totally different from the outgoing mannequin.
Even with camouflage, the long run iX3 will evidently undertake a brand new design id. The cleaner, smoother surfaces promised for the Neue Klasse period, together with combustion-powered vehicles, will seem throughout the lineup. An inside overhaul can be underway, with lowered standard controls and a larger emphasis on touchscreen interplay. BMW already removed the iDrive controller from compact fashions and gained’t set up it in Neue Klasse automobiles both.
Whereas design adjustments are subjective, the technical enhancements are clear-cut. BMW is switching to Gen6 batteries with spherical cells that supply 20% increased vitality density. In comparison with the present prismatic cells, these cylindrical models will cost 30% quicker and ship a 30% enhance in vary. All Neue Klasse EVs will provide a minimum of 373 miles (600 kilometers) of vary, with some reaching as much as 559 miles (900 kilometers) on a single cost. Within the iX3’s case, BMW has already confirmed it’ll do over 435 miles (700 km). These figures are primarily based on the WLTP cycle, so equal EPA estimates will doubtless be 10–15% decrease.
The brand new BMW iX3 will go on sale later this yr after manufacturing begins in DebrecenHungary. Nonetheless, the electrical crossover is not going to launch outdoors of Europe till later in 2026.
(Photographs: Kerleem Shah)
