BMW selected one in all Munich’s most prestigious backdrops to showcase its first Neue Klasse manufacturing mannequin. Max-Joseph Platz, residence to the Bavarian State Opera, was remodeled into an open-air stage the place the brand new 2026 BMW iX3 50 xDrive took heart stage. The set up, a part of BMW’s “Open Area,” was designed with some assist from Designworks as properly and merged historic structure with futuristic automotive design. Below the altering mild and climate of late summer season in Munich, the iX3 was offered in two standout finishes—Area Silver and Ocean Wave Blue—captured in a photograph gallery that highlights the crossover’s clear surfaces and daring proportions.
The setting underscored BMW’s ambition for the Neue Klasse. The lowered, extra timeless design language launched by the Neue Klasse platform was on full show, with new retractable door handles, smoother surfacing, and an illuminated interpretation of the kidney grille. In Area Silver, the sharp creases and sculpted strains mirrored the classical façades of the sq., whereas Ocean Wave Blue gave the automotive a extra emotional character, shifting tone relying on the angle of the solar or the bogus lighting used within the set up.
Area Silver and Ocean Wave Blue Spotlight Neue Klasse Design
The iX3 comes with a diversified new coloration palette. As BMW’s first Neue Klasse manufacturing mannequin, it represents a generational leap in expertise and design. It rides on the sixth technology of BMW’s eDrive system, incorporating cylindrical-cell batteries with considerably increased power density. Within the iX3 50 xDrive, a 108-kWh usable battery is paired with twin motors for a mixed output of round 463 horsepower and 645 Newton-meters of torque. That’s sufficient to launch the SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in beneath 5 seconds. Vary is equally spectacular: BMW cites as much as 805 kilometers beneath the WLTP cycle, with U.S. EPA figures anticipated to settle round 400 miles. Charging is dealt with by an 800-volt system that helps as much as 400 kW of enter, permitting the battery to replenish from 10 to 80 p.c in roughly 21 minutes.
Contained in the Cabin: Panoramic Imaginative and prescient and Digital Minimalism
Inside, the Neue Klasse philosophy is simply as radical. The cabin is dominated by a 17.9-inch central touchscreen tilted towards the motive force, accompanied by BMW’s new Panoramic show, which spans the decrease windshield from pillar to pillar. Data may be distributed throughout the width of the glass, giving the motive force fast entry to navigation, pace, and help methods, whereas passengers can work together with leisure and related options. Bodily controls haven’t disappeared totally, however BMW has reimagined them: shy-tech buttons illuminate solely when energetic, and the middle console retains a pared-down set of necessities.
New Colours Coming Later As Nicely
Colour and trim choices play a giant position in shaping the brand new iX3’s character. Alongside Area Silver and Ocean Wave Blue, consumers could have entry to Alpine White, Sapphire Black, Polarized Gray, and M Brooklyn Gray at launch. Fireplace Pink, referred to as Vegas Pink within the U.S., will be a part of the lineup within the spring of 2026. There’s additionally a Frozen Gray coloration which we’ve seen behind the scenes and it’s incredible. The photographs taken in Munich additionally present the iX3 with the non-compulsory M Sport Bundle, which brings a extra aggressive diffuser.
Manufacturing of the brand new iX3 begins this November at BMW’s new plant in Debrecen, Hungary, the corporate’s first facility constructed particularly for Neue Klasse automobiles. Deliveries in Europe will kick off within the spring of 2026, adopted by the U.S. market in the summertime. China will even obtain a long-wheelbase variant constructed domestically (codename NA6), reflecting the mannequin’s international ambitions.
[Photos: @quirin_schoen]
