BMW claims “sensational” sales for Neue Klasse iX3

BMW is searching for ways to ramp up production of its new iX3 electric SUV faster than planned as it reports unprecedented demand for the first of its revolutionary Neue Klasse models – dubbed the most important vehicles in the brand’s history.

BMW is claiming stronger pre-sales for the BWM iX3 50 xDrive in Europe than for the recently launched 1-Series, 5-Series and X3 combined.

Not on-sale in Australia until mid-2026, there’s now a chance the vehicle could face further delays.

“I can't tell you exact figures today but the order income is better than we expected,” Mike Reichelt, head of BMW Neue Klasse told carsales.

“The income is higher than we saw in the history in Europe by any [BMW] car,” he said, referencing the high level of pre-orders.

The positive response to the BMW iX3 will be a huge relief to the upper management of BMW, which had spent 17 billion Euros on the development of Neue Klasse by the time the iX3 debuted in September 2025 at the Munich IAA motor show.

“It was a long and a challenging journey and I'm so proud that we did the right and the brave decisions to jump into the future,” said Reichelt.

Neue Klasse is a technology and design platform that will underpin all BMWs going forward. It will spawn a new generation of EVs as well as influence BMW ICE vehicles.

Reichelt explained the response to the iX3 was unusual for European vehicle buyers, who are usually not prone to purchasing without a test drive.

“Some came from Norway or from other regions to the IAA to have a short look of the car and then to order.

“And that's sensational. We haven't had this any time before. This was sensational.”

The challenge for BMW in all this is iX3 manufacturing is centred at a brand new factory in Hungary.

Because Debrecen in Hungary is a start-up, the pace of its production is very difficult to accelerate.

But Reichelt said other opportunities were being investigated. This could involve bringing other Neue Klasse plants other plants in other countries including China, the USA and Germany online sooner.

“Now we act, we check what is possible and it's possible to raise the production now,” he said.

“We blend this up to fulfil the upcoming order income.”

Asked whether the unprecedented advanced interest in iX3 would mean extended wait times before delivery, Reichelt said “We hope not. We will see what's going on.”

He put the response to the iX3 down to its significant advances, including its long claimed 805km WLTP range and ultra-fast 400kW DC fast charging combined with pricing close to ICE equivalence.

“There are many reasons to jump into a new class and I think this was this excitement was also for our customers,” he said.

Pricing for the BMW iX3 50 xDrive will be announced for Australia in early 2026. It is expected to start at about $120,000 plus on-road costs.

It will be the sole iX3 sold here until 2027 when cheaper all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive with a smaller battery will arrive.

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