2026 BMW iX3 debuts with brand’s next-gen EV tech

The 2026 BMW iX3 has been unveiled ahead of its first public outing at the Munich motor show, with the iX3 introducing the brand’s next styling direction, vehicle architecture and sixth-gen EV powertrain tech that delivers enhanced efficiency and ultra-fast charging.

Echoing what the BMW did back in the early 1960s with its 1500, the Neue Klasse iX3 introduces a bold new design language, including a pair of vertical BMW kidney grilles that mimic classic models of the past.

Despite featuring a blockier monolithic shape, flush door handles, glass surfaces and a slim glasshouse signal how designers have optimised aerodynamics for a low drag coefficient of 0.24.

The smoother styling is just one of the measures that sees efficiency improve by 20 per cent over the outgoing iX3, one of the others being the introduction of BMW's sixth-gen ‘eDrive’ powertrain tech.

Just one dual-motor variant has been detailed so far: the BMW iX3 50 xDrive, outputs 345kW/645Nm and springs from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds.

Combined with a 108kWh (usable) battery, the launch variant is capable of covering up to 805km on a single charge.

Helping it go further, the new EV powertrain is 10 per cent lighter than before, while energy losses have been slashed by 40 per cent, with the mid-size SUV able to average a very respectable 15kWh/100km.

Plug it in and the Neue Klasse’s 800-volt architecture allows it to charge at up to 400kW, with a 10 to 80 per cent top up taking just 21 minutes. More impressive, BMW says after just 10 minutes you can add as much as 350km of range.

From launch, the iX3 will be compatible with 400V chargers that are more prevalent in Australia, while a 0-100 per cent AC recharge will take around 11 hours.

All versions come with an intelligent charging flap that opens and closes automatically when it thinks you’re about to charge your car.

Bidirectional charging is also available, with an optional vehicle-to-load (V2L) able to power devices at up to 3.7kW.

Within, the iX3 comes with the BMW Panoramic iDrive tech that includes a 43.3-inch screen that stretches from A-pillar to A-pillar and projects information directly into the driver's line of sight.

The displays can also be personalised, with the driver choosing what to see.

A further 3D head-up display also shows off the navigation and automated driving tech. The central display, meanwhile, measures in at a massive 17.9-inch and is angled towards the driver.

All the tech runs BMW’s latest Operating System X that is said to be both quicker to react and more intuitive.

Behind the wheel, BMW has introduced a new ‘Heart of Joy’ supercomputer to manage the powertrain, brakes, brake regen and suspension for a “BMW-typical driving feeling”.

The tech is said to be 10 times faster than conventional units, delivering what’s promised to be a smoother power transfer with high levels of stability and efficiency.

According to engineers in regular use, 98 per cent of all braking is achieved via regen, clawing back as much energy in the process.

Available from launch in nine different colours, 20-inch alloy wheels, an electric tailgate, large panoramic roof with UV protection (a sunblind is an option), two-zone climate control, wireless phone charging are all standard.

Now as big as an X3 at 4782mm long, the new iX3 comes with a reasonable boot that offers 520 litres of luggage carrying capacity and is boosted by a 58-litre frunk.

Thanks to greater use of recycled materials and more sustainable manufacturing practices, BMW says you now only need to travel 17,500km using renewable energy sources before the iX3 matches the carbon footprint of an equivalent combustion-powered car, with real carbon savings netted from then on.

It’s no fluke that on the same day the 2026 BMW iX3 was unwrapped at the Munich motor show Mercedes-Benz was pulling the drapes off its battery-powered GLC With EQ Technology.

Both spearhead the German brand’s latest EV tech designed to not only dominate the posh mid-size SUV segment but to help see BMW and Benz catch up with the Chinese when it comes to EV tech.

We'll leave it up to you to decide which you prefer but from our first look it seems BMW has left no stone unturned to gain a competitive edge over its foes.