2027 BMW iX3: The SUV Driving BMW’s Boldest Transformation Since the 1960s

After years of anticipation, BMW is finally bringing its next-generation lineup—dubbed the Neue Klasse—closer to reality. At this point, the “Neue” (meaning “new”) almost feels like a misnomer, but the wait makes sense: this series represents the brand’s future. Leading the charge is the all-electric 2027 BMW iX3 SUV, set to debut in 2027, and it’s both completely new and a crucial milestone for BMW.

According to BMW, this project marks the largest investment in the company’s history, echoing the transformative leap it made back in the 1960s with the debut of the first Neue Klasse models. The automaker committed to a complete overhaul—spanning design, architecture, technology, software, and manufacturing—five years ago, setting the stage for this reinvention.

The 2027 BMW iX3 is only the beginning. While the Neue Klasse platform will launch exclusively with electric vehicles, BMW plans to extend elements of this new foundation across its lineup. By the end of 2027, as many as 40 models—ranging from SUVs and sedans to coupes and potentially even a supercar—will incorporate its innovations, with a mix of powertrains on offer. Simply put, Neue Klasse is set to shape every corner of BMW’s future.

Leading the charge is the luxury compact, five-passenger iX3 50 xDrive, which made its world debut at the 2025 IAA Mobility auto show in Munich. Why launch with the iX3? Timing played a key role, and it also targets the brand’s largest market segment. BMW needed a high-volume, globally appealing model to anchor this significant investment.

The iX3 rides on BMW’s new Gen 6 platform and fully embodies the Neue Klasse vision. In contrast, the upcoming BMW X3 will still use the CLAR platform, though it will adopt Neue Klasse-inspired design and technology. The iX3 is also BMW’s first software-defined vehicle, capable of receiving over-the-air updates that fix issues and introduce new features—keeping the SUV current throughout its lifespan with software developed in-house by BMW.

Jumping Ahead in Design

Neue Klasse vehicles are designed to appear as if they’ve skipped an entire generation. BMW has steadily teased this direction with concept models, including the 2023 I Vision DEE, the Vision Neue Klasse, and last year’s Vision X SUV—a near-production preview of the 2027 BMW iX3.

Head of design Oliver Heilmer aimed for a clean yet robust exterior, featuring precise, minimal lines, flush door handles, strong shoulders, and a confident stance. The front replaces traditional chrome with animated lighting, while the vertical kidney grilles—paying homage to the original 1960s Neue Klasse models—are more restrained than on today’s BMWs and feature illumination. At the rear, sleek new taillights highlight the vehicle’s width, and large windows paired with a glass roof give the cabin an open, airy feel. Even the tow hitch signals the iX3’s practical capabilities.

Inside the 2027 BMW iX3

We got a look at an 2027 BMW iX3 50 iDrive featuring a two-tone black-and-white interior. While there’s a noticeable amount of hard black plastic, the armrests are covered in softer leatherette. The dashboard is crafted from a 3D-knit material made with recycled plastics and reclaimed fishing nets, and sustainable fabrics are used in the seat upholstery as well. The M Sport package upgrades some surfaces with leather trim and microsuede, while futuristic front-seat headrests complete the cabin’s minimalist, high-tech feel.

The standout feature is the Panoramic Vision 43.3-inch display, which projects onto the lower portion of the windshield and presents a wide range of information and apps with sharp, easily readable graphics visible from every seat. Users can drag and drop widgets to customize the layout or tap to remove them for a clean, uncluttered view.

Controls are managed via a sleek, angular center touchscreen shaped like a chevron pointing toward the driver, enhanced with matrix backlighting for improved visibility. A persistent row of commands along the bottom lets occupants quickly adjust temperature, music, phone, navigation, and other vehicle functions.

The 3D head-up display combines navigation cues and automated driving information into a single, easily viewable projection within the driver’s line of sight.

The squared-off, multifunction steering wheel features haptic controls that replace the traditional iDrive controller. On the left, controls manage driver-assist and park-assist functions, lighting up only when active. The right-side buttons handle infotainment tasks, keeping everything within easy reach of the driver.

Even the cupholders have been redesigned, using a triangular shape to keep drinks securely in place. The sliding gearshift frees up additional space in the center console, creating room for a second phone alongside the charging pad.

At the start of a drive, tapping the vehicle icon prompts the system to verify that all systems are ready, such as ensuring doors or windows aren’t left open. The My Modes feature adjusts the cabin’s ambiance, changing colors and imagery to match the selected theme.

BMW’s Expressive Personal Assistant

The new operating system draws on data from around 10 million BMWs on the road. The intelligent personal assistant is activated with “Hey, BMW,” and is represented by an avatar: the BMW roundel transforms into a blue circle with large, expressive eyes and eyebrows. It resembles a friendly alien that turns to face the speaker, capable of winking, blushing, and more, all while avoiding prolonged eye contact. The assistant responds quickly, leveraging Alexa technology and offering male or female voice options to provide directions, answer questions, and perform various functions.

There are still physical buttons on the roof, door, and center console—places where people expect them. But you must use the screen to adjust the air vents.

Traditional features such as a standard rearview mirror, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto remain included as standard equipment.

Second-row passengers enjoy air vents and USB ports, though the backs of the front seats lack cargo pouches. A cargo net secures items when the second-row seats fold flat, and a passthrough is included for skis.

A front trunk (frunk) provides an extra 2 cubic feet of storage—ideal for stowing the charging cable. Interestingly, it includes an engine-style cover, complete with the BMW roundel, to help keep dust out.

Brainiac

At the heart of the 2027 BMW iX3 is a switch to zonal architecture, featuring four “superbrains” in what BMW calls a masterpiece of engineering. This system connects and responds ten times faster, enhancing both safety and driving smoothness. The improvements are evident in gentler braking during sudden lane changes, quicker gear shifts, and reduced oversteer on curves.

The Heart of Joy brain manages driving dynamics—drivetrain, brakes, energy recuperation, and steering—through a fully digital chassis. Its goal is to deliver ultimate agility and smoother stops by precisely controlling the motors, minimizing friction braking, and maximizing efficiency with brake regeneration, including one-pedal driving.

A second superbrain oversees the advanced driver-assist systems and operates 20 times faster than those in previous BMW models, ensuring smoother, more natural interactions. This speed also makes automated parking quicker, so the car behind isn’t left impatiently honking.

The remaining superbrains manage infotainment and core comfort functions.

New Drivetrain, More Range

The 2027 BMW iX3 also introduces a new, lighter sixth-generation eDrive powertrain. In this model, it produces 470 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving a claimed 0–60 mph in under 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. The system can shift torque to the rear axle for sharper acceleration out of corners. While single-motor variants position the motor at the rear, all iX3 models in the U.S. will feature all-wheel drive. The architecture is capable of supporting up to four motors, paving the way for a potential high-performance M variant in the future.

The new cylindrical battery cells are 20% more energy-dense, resulting in a more cost-effective, energy-rich pack without significantly increasing size. While the pack is slightly heavier, the updated chemistry enables an estimated range of up to 400 miles.

The 2027 BMW iX3 50 xDrive will feature a 108-kWh battery integrated into the vehicle floor, reducing components, weight, and cost while enhancing structural rigidity, lowering the roofline, and improving aerodynamics. Other trims will offer different battery sizes. To maximize range in all conditions, the SUV includes active grille vents that close at speed, optional aerodynamic performance wheels, and air curtains that manage airflow around the wheels and wheel arches. BMW cites a coefficient of drag of just 0.24 for the iX3.

The new architecture operates at 800 volts, enabling a 400-kW charging rate. BMW claims the iX3 charges three times faster than previous models, adding up to 217 miles of range in just 10 minutes and reaching 10–80% charge in 21 minutes. The vehicle can handle both 400- and 800-volt chargers, automatically adjusting via an internal switch. With a NACS port, the 2027 BMW iX3 is compatible with the 400-volt Tesla Supercharger network.

Route planning takes into account the vehicle’s specifications, battery preconditioning, and selected drive mode—Eco mode and coaching can boost range by up to 10%. The system chooses the fastest charging stops based on BMW’s own data, providing details on each charger, including photos, ratings, and nearby amenities. AI ensures precise charger locations, addressing inaccuracies common in many mapping systems regarding position and charging speeds.

The iX3 features an intelligent charging flap that opens automatically when you exit the vehicle at a designated charging station. If navigation wasn’t used, the flap can detect when you’re approaching and open on its own. A manual button is also available for added convenience.

The 2027 BMW iX3 also supports bidirectional charging, letting owners power their homes or up to three devices directly from the vehicle. In Europe, this feature can even feed electricity back to the grid, allowing owners to earn credits or money.

When Can I Get a BMW iX3?

Production kicks off this fall at BMW’s new Debrecen plant in Hungary, with volume increasing through 2026. The iX3 will debut in Europe in March, starting at €68,900 (roughly $80,200). U.S. models, expected in summer 2026, are anticipated to start around $60,000. China will also receive a locally produced version next year.

BMW plans to introduce additional variants beginning next year, including an entry-level model in Europe priced at €60,000 (around $70,000).

BMW plans to produce Neue Klasse models for North America at its Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Mexico plants by 2027. Spartanburg will build its first EV in late 2026, though BMW has not yet revealed which model that will be. By the end of 2030, the company aims to manufacture six EVs in the U.S.

2027 BMW iX3 50 xDrive Specifications