Discussion:2026 BMW iX3 Ushers in Next Generation Innovations

[G. David Felt]

BMW has a rich history of building the drivers auto such as the legendary models of the 1800, BMW M1, BMW 3 series, BMW X5 and the electrified i8. With this rich history, it only makes sense that the next evolution is the iX3 with an all-electric range of 805 kilometers or 500 miles on a single charge for the BMW iX3 50 xDrive model. Across the whole model lineup, the iX3 has a range of 678 Kilometers / 421 miles to 805 kilometers / 500 miles on a single charge.

The BMW iX3 according to Chairman Oliver Zipse is the most important all new vehicle for BMW in the last half-century and will lead BMW into the next decade and beyond globally. The iX3 is a quantum leap forward in technology, design and driving dynamics. Chairman Zipse calls it "Neue Klasse", a historic term used to signify a Quantum Leap for BMW.

BMW will start deliveries of the iX3 in Spring 2026 to Europe, Summer 2026 to Americas and Asian pacific areas. Starting price of $60,000

BMW realized the competition for one's attention and as such has brought to market the following with the iX3:

• Panoramic iDrive consisting of four elements
  • Panoramic Vision - a cleanup of the interior allowing for the information at the right line of sight, at the right point in time and at the right location. This being the lower edge of the windshield.
  • Central Display - All-new user interface for easier management with voice control of your auto.
  • Multi-function steering wheel - The 20% of most common used features that cover 80% of what a driver does in the auto plus working with the voice control.
  • Optional 3D head-up display - Driver customizable 3D HUD that gives you the info you want, when you want it, on the windshield minimizing the need to look down or to the right for information while driving.

BMW called the iX3 their sixth-generation EV architecture which consists of the following:

• 800-volt electrical system that allows 30% faster charging and 40% greater efficiency allowing 231 miles of range in just 10 minutes at a DC charging station. 10% to 80% in 21 minutes.
• AC Controller enhancements for faster home charging
  • Standard 11 kW controller
  • Optional 22 kW controller

To take full advantage of home charging capabilities, BMW iX3 owners will want a quality Level 2 home EV charger. Popular options include the ChargePoint Home Flex NACS or Grizzl-E 48A Ultimate Level 2, which can handle the standard 11 kW charging speeds and are compatible with most home electrical systems. NACS compatible 22 kW home charger options are still limited.  When traveling, you'll need a CCS to NACS adapter to take advantage of all charging options out there, the Lectron CCS to NACS Adapter is one of the highest rated on Amazon.

• Electronic control system - This system went from dozens of individual control modules to run the last generation of EVs to four control computers with 2000 less feet of wiring reducing weight by 30% over the previous system, reducing reaction times (latency) within each area. The four modules handle the following, driving dynamics, automated driving, infotainment and basic control and comfort functions. 10 times faster response times in each module.
• xDrive Powertrain - 345 kW or 469 hp for the all-wheel drive system.
  • 0 to 100 km\h or 62 mph in 4.9 seconds
  • Top speed of 210 km\h or 130 mph
  • 10% less weight
  • 20% lower cost
  • 40% more energy efficient
• iX3 interior space and progressive lifestyle are the focus point in the sizing of the iX3
  • 4,782 millimeters or 188 inches long
  • 1,895 millimeters or 74.6 inches wide
  • 1,635 millimeters or 64.3 inches tall
  • Aerodynamics drag coefficient of .24
• Load Carrying capacity
  • Interior Cargo capacity of 1,750 liters or 62 cubic feet with the back seats folded down. Find deals on Cargo Organizers.
  • FRUNK capacity of 58 liters or 2 cubic feet
  • Towing of 2,000 kilograms or 4,409 pounds
• Next generation battery
  • 108.7 kWh battery size
  • 20% higher energy density
  • 30% faster charging
• Bi-directional charging
  • V2L or Vehicle-to-Load standard
  • V2H or Vehicle-to-Home standard
  • V2G or Vehicle-to-Grid standard

BMW has gone back to their 1960's era of kidneys and twin headlights. This is complimented by their all-new light signature system that assumes the role of chrome in giving an aura of quality and sophistication. Flush smooth surfaces are found throughout the exterior from glass surfaces to door handles. Keeping robust nature of luxury and sophistication, you will find color matched wheel arches, subtle rectangular contours to defining taillights and more on the iX3.

BMW continues their offering of choice to the consumer as they have a standard 20 inch wheel with optional 20, 21, and 22 inch wheel choices available. Interior choices are offered with personalization of the cabin the choices of Essential, Contemporary, M Sport and a BMW fully customized design options.

From heated seats and electronically adjustable as standard to heated / cooled and multifunctional seats as options is just the beginning of how one can order up their iX3. Standard, Sport and M Sport steering wheels compliment the many other interior choices from two to three zone climate control, adaptive headlights, Harmon Kardon HiFi systems, steering wheel heating, panoramic sunroof and more allow each iX3 to be customized to the end users choice of what they want.

Some of the latest bleeding edge abilities with the iX3 were shown off at the Consumer Electronics Show 2026 in Las Vegas. Here BMW had on-hand the iX3 for people to experience.

List of Features found in the iX3:

• Alexa+ built into the BMW Personal Assistant
• ZOOM calls with video on the center screen
• Ability to use the center screen for video when the auto is stationary
  • Disney+
  • TiVo
• 85 apps worldwide from music and audio to Entertainment, Gaming, News, Travel, Local and more

BMW has delivered what they believe is the smoothest and fastest system that offers ultimate joy in driving a BMW on the iX3 from various levels of acceleration, braking and handling to superior industry energy recuperation and a true hand off driving up to 85 mph.

The water-cooled super brains of the control modules allow the iX3 to deliver world class driving experience for all ages and skill levels.

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[Drew Dowdell]

I feel like they've finally fixed their design language with this, though its almost a new round of neo-retro like we had in the early 2000s with the PT Cruiser, Neu Beetle, HHR, etc.