BMW has officially unveiled the 2027 iX3 electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), marking the debut of its highly anticipated Neue Klasse generation of vehicles. This launch is heralded as BMW’s most significant future-focused project and a reinvention akin to the original Neue Klasse cars of the 1960s, which saved the company from financial collapse. The decision to innovate across design, architecture, technology, software, and manufacturing was made five years ago, with the iX3 being the first in a line of over 40 new models or updates expected by the end of 2027, impacting BMW's entire product range.

The 2027 BMW iX3 50 xDrive, the launch specification, is equipped with twin motors utilizing BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology, delivering a combined output of 470 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels. This powerful setup enables the iX3 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.9 seconds, with a top speed limited to 130 mph. The new Gen 6 platform supports a highly efficient drivetrain that can shift torque to the rear axle for crisper acceleration out of curves and is designed to run with up to four motors, hinting at future high-performance M variants. The architecture itself is exclusively EV-focused to start, although aspects of this new vision will extend to models with various powertrains.

A standout feature of the iX3 is its monster 108.7 kWh usable battery, which incorporates fancy new cylindrical cells and advanced 800-volt technology. This innovative battery design, which also serves as the vehicle's floor, provides a WLTP range of up to 500 miles, with an EPA estimated range of approximately 400 miles. The 800-volt architecture enables rapid charging, boasting a 400 kW charging rate that can add 217 miles of range in just 10 minutes and charge from 10 to 80 percent in 21 minutes. The iX3 comes with a NACS port and an internal switch that allows seamless use of both 400-volt and 800-volt chargers. The vehicle also features an intelligent charging flap that opens automatically and offers bidirectional charging, enabling the car to power a home or export energy to the grid in certain regions.

At the heart of the iX3’s advanced capabilities is BMW's new zonal architecture, dubbed the 'superbrain' tech. This digital nervous system employs four super high-tech computers that pool their processing power, operating up to 10 times faster than conventional control units. The 'Heart of Joy' computer, responsible for driving dynamics, controls the motors, brakes, steering, and safety systems, allowing for 98 percent of braking maneuvers to be performed with regen alone and achieving what BMW calls the 'smoothest stopping process ever'. Co-developed with Qualcomm, the Snapdragon Ride Pilot system powers the advanced driver-assist functions, utilizing a hybrid AI system (onboard and cloud-based) and 360-degree 'fisheye' cameras for enhanced object detection. This scalable technology has been tested in 60 countries for the iX3's launch and is expected to expand globally, with potential for other automakers to adopt it.

The iX3 introduces a whole new design language for BMW, described as 'reduced' and 'contemporary', yet more aggressive than anticipated. It is specifically referred to as a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), not an SUV. Key design elements include vertical illuminated kidney grilles, a nod to the 1960s Neue Klasse, which can feature 'BMW Iconic Glow' animations. The aerodynamic profile boasts a drag coefficient of 0.24, enhanced by active grille vents and air curtains. The interior emphasizes sustainability, featuring a leather-free cabin with fabrics made from recycled materials, including 3D knit dash components from recycled plastics and fishing nets. Nearly one-third of the new iX3 is made from secondary raw materials, and the manufacturing plant in Debrecen, Hungary, operates without fossil fuels during normal operation, resulting in a 34 percent smaller carbon footprint over its lifecycle.

Inside, the iX3 offers a cocooning experience with a wraparound dash and the BMW Panoramic iDrive system. A prominent 43.3-inch BMW Panoramic Vision display stretches across the bottom of the windscreen, showing driving information and six customizable widgets, complemented by an optional 3D head-up display. A strangely shaped, angular central infotainment screen powered by 'BMW Operating System X' supports a wide range of apps, including music, video games, streaming, and even Zoom. The new steering wheel features haptic feedback controls, though traditional physical buttons remain for essential functions. Passengers will appreciate noticeably increased rear legroom, while cargo space includes a 520-liter boot and an additional 58-liter frunk for convenience. The new operating system also features an expressive personal assistant avatar that interacts with users.

Beyond the iX3, BMW has also teased the Neue Klasse saloon, now confirmed to revive the 'i3' name. This electric successor to the 3 Series will be fully unveiled next year, retaining the Vision Neue Klasse concept's shark nose, three-box shape, and wide illuminated kidneys. It is expected to share the same 108.7 kWh battery as the iX3, promising impressive range. The broader Neue Klasse architecture will underpin a variety of vehicles—SUVs, sedans, coupes, and potentially a supercar—with diverse powertrains by 2027.

Production of the 2027 BMW iX3 will begin in the fall of 2025 at the Debrecen plant in Hungary, with volume ramping up in 2026. UK deliveries of the iX3 50 xDrive are slated for March 7, 2026. The iX3 will launch first in Europe in March 2026 with a starting price of €68,900. It is expected to arrive in the U.S. in the summer of 2026, with an estimated starting price of $60,000. China will receive a local version next year, and further variants, including an entry-level model for Europe, are planned. BMW also intends to produce Neue Klasse models in Spartanburg and Mexico by 2027, with six EVs planned for U.S. production by the end of 2030. Three trim levels will be available: iX3, iX3 M Sport, and iX3 M Sport Pro, with standard kit including 20-inch wheels, heated front seats, and driver assistance tech.