Off to a Hot Start
BMW has entered a new era with the debut of its Neue Klasse platform, starting with the iX3. So far, the Bavarian automaker appears pleased with the early results, as a report from BMW Blog states that the iX3 has secured 50,000 orders in its first six months.
Having the iX3 lead the charge for BMW’s new electric vehicle-dedicated platform appears to be a smart move, given that its combustion-powered sibling, the X3, is a volume seller. The new electric compact sedan counterpart, the i3, is also set to be unveiled on March 18. For now, however, order books for the iX3 — which opened in September 2025 — are said to have “reached well into this year,” according to outgoing BMW CEO Oliver Zipse.
BMW
Where the iX3 Comes to Life
Deliveries in Europe are underway, with iX3 units produced in Hungary at BMW’s new Debrecen plant, which can build up to 150,000 vehicles annually. The all-electric model is also heading to the U.S., with availability expected to begin in summer 2026.
With an 800-volt EV architecture, BMW says the iX3 xDrive50 can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 21 minutes. Based on its own testing, the EV offers a maximum range of up to 400 miles, though that figure could be lower under EPA standards. For reference, the Tesla Model Y has an EPA-rated range of up to 357 miles in Premium RWD form.
The iX3 is expected to start at around $60,000, with more affordable 40 variants arriving in early 2027. Reports say that the U.S.-bound units will initially be produced at the Hungarian plant, but the production could later shift to BMW’s San Luis Potosi plant in Mexico as early as next year.
Stretching the iX3
Over in China, BMW is also looking to introduce a long-wheelbase version of the iX3, which would help address demand for vehicles with larger interior space in the region. Tesla has taken a similar approach with a long-wheelbase version of the Model Y for the Chinese market. Other markets expected to receive the longer iX3 version include India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Ultimately, the German marque will spread Neue Klasse technologies across more models, while some are expected to adopt elements of its design language as well. That includes the 7 Series, which was recently teased with a large illuminated grille and slim headlights. Time will tell how many orders some of these upcoming models attract without the X3’s advantage in the compact crossover segment.
BMW
