2025 BMW iX3 previewed in official prototype guise

We’ve seen the concept, spy pictures and even a leaked patent image, but now BMW has given us an early look at the next-generation iX3 as prototype models begin rolling off the production line. 

Sitting on the next-generation Neue Klasse platform, the iX3 will kickstart a new range of at least six all-electric models between 2025 and 2027. The SUV will be joined by an all-electric 3 Series-sized saloon, previewed by the Vision Neue Klasse saloon concept that BMW brought to the Munich Motor Show back in September 2023.

While the car shown by BMW in these images still wears camouflage and is a prototype, the German firm says it “marks the beginning of the final preparation phase for the start of series production in late 2025”. The headlights are visibly different to the concept’s and we can just about see the outline of the grille wrapping around the front of the car.

BMW’s Vision Neue Klasse X concept back in March 2024 seemingly did provide us with a close interpretation of how the production car will look. We know this not only from the official prototype vehicle image from BMW, but also from leaked pictures of the new iX3 in patent form. 

It’s clear there will be a family face for all the Neue Klasse models. We’ve also caught the 3 Series-sized, all-electric i3 and next-generation X5 testing, and they have a similar front end to the upcoming second-generation iX3. Judging from the patent imagery, the front of the next iX3 will look identical to the concept with a connected upper grille and headlight section. It’s not too dissimilar to Vauxhall’s Vizor design language, although BMW will probably point out the influence from its own ‘Neue Klasse’ 2000 saloon from the mid-sixties.

Signifying that the patent images are of the production car, there are new wing mirrors in place of the digitised stalks we saw on the concept. And instead of strange, winglet-style door handles on the window line, there are some flush-fitting door handles, while the rear looks largely unchanged from the concept. 

The profile of the new car isn’t far removed from the firm’s current range of SUVs. The windscreen looks fairly rakish for an SUV to help promote aerodynamics, and BMW has given the iX3 a new take on the Hofmeister kink with some additional decals on the window. 

The rear shot highlights the bulbous haunches added to help give the car visual width. Unlike the XM SUV, which has a rear windscreen that flows smoothly into the bodywork, the iX3 has a roof spoiler at the back that wraps around the window, plus ridges that flow into the roof.

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The second-generation iX3 will also feature BMW's Panoramic Vision full-width windscreen projection system. The company's UI development boss, Oliver Pitrat, previously told Auto Express that the brand had nearly productionised the technology and that scaling it for different widths, curvatures and rake angles of screen – i.e. more upright for an SUV – is not a problem.

The interior of the iX3 should use a bespoke iteration of the Vision Neue Klasse concept’s dash. That means a minimalist approach with a wide panoramic screen at the top of the dash and a larger touchscreen in the centre to operate the car’s functions. BMW says the wide screen of the i Vision Dee “anticipates the next generation of vehicles”.

Powering the electric SUV will be BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology. That should mean up to 30 per cent more range, 30 per cent quicker charging and 25 per cent better efficiency. Based on the BMW iX3’s maximum 285-mile range, the new EV could reach over 350 miles on a single charge. Standard models are expected to use a single, rear-mounted electric motor, although the platform could allow for up to four motors.

Following the 3 Series-sized saloon and X3-sized SUV, it is likely that a Neue Klasse coupe, an estate, a larger SUV and potentially even high-performance M variants are in the pipeline. BMW boss Oliver Zipse outlined that six new models based on the Neue Klasse platform would arrive within the next 24 months, saying that “from SAVs to sedans, there will be something for every customer”.

M division head of development Dirk Hacker previously told Auto Express that his team were well under way with development of a high-performance all-electric M car, which is likely to arrive in 2027.

“When we're thinking about a high-performance electric M car, you want to see the M characteristic,” he said. “We know the feeling from the M2 and M3 CS, but also pure electric. We have also launched some ideas for that with four electric motors and a lot of functions,” he added, referencing BMW's quad-motor i4 M50 prototype.

“We are working on a central intelligence made by BMW and not made by the suppliers,” he added. “We are working on electric motors, high-voltage batteries and it's very important also on how we can emotionalise such a car.”

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