2026 BMW iX3 feeling the heat

The new era of BMW EVs has been previewed, following the release of a new teaser involving the 2026 BMW iX3 hot weather testing in South Africa ahead of the advanced battery-electric SUV’s global debut later this year.

The first of the German brand’s Neue Klasse range of models, the new BMW iX3 will be heavily inspired by the Neue Vision X concept that was revealed last year.

Based on BMW’s all-new Neue Klasse (Gen6) architecture, the iX3 is primed to deliver huge improvements in range, charging speed and functionality, compared to the current range of EVs.

Set to be revealed later this year, when the production version of the BMW iX3 arrives it will be a direct rival to EVs like the Audi Q6 e-tron and the Mercedes GLC with EQ Technology.

Once launched, BMW has already revealed that the iX3 will be followed by the next-generation BMW 3 Series EV that will be inspired by the Neue Klasse concept.

The iX3, meanwhile, has begun its final round of hot weather testing in South Africa.

Primed to be unveiled at the Munich motor show this September, BMW has previously announced that the Neue Klasse vehicles will come with an 800V architecture. This will be combined with new batteries that are 20 per cent more energy-dense than today’s tech, which will boost range by 30 per cent and efficiency by 20 per cent.

The last figure comes from slippery aerodynamics and lighter, more efficient electric motors.

The iX3 will come with a single or dual motor format but the next BMW M3 EV will get an incredible quad-motor set up and will boast more than 750kW of power.

Charging will also take a huge leap forward, with as much as 300km of range capable of being added in just 10 minutes.

Once launched, the all-new BMW iX3 will be sold alongside the current combustion-powered fourth-generation BMW X3 that was launched last year.

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