BMW iX3 Review 2026 (Neue Klasse) | BMW’s bold electric reset has landed
Say hello to the all-new BMW iX3. And when we say new, we mean new: new platform, new battery tech, new infotainment, new styling cues. No surprises really then, that internally this BMW has been dubbed the “Neue Klasse” (New Class).
This was also the name of the 1960s model that helped shape BMW into the company we know it today. It’s safe to say BMW wants to make sure we know this is an important model then. Here’s our first-drive review of it.
iX3 styling: The looks
BMW isn’t known for particularly huge jumps when it comes to its styling cues. But the iX3 is a leap, and the first most obvious sign this is indeed an all-new car. Despite the iX3 nameplate, this is a large car at almost 4.8 metres in length – that’s longer than the outgoing iX3 and not far off the existing iX.
The body is made up of crisp lines, and a completely new lighting signature at the front and rear. These are the elements that make it obvious BMW leaned on the VDX concept when they were coming up with the looks. It’s an elegant-looking car, and is a little less aggressive than we’ve become used to from BMW.
Up front the illuminating kidney grille is notably smaller than other recent models, and melds neatly into a flush LED lighting unit that takes inspiration from the angular Neue Klasse of the 1960s.
The illuminating kidney grille is notably smaller than other recent models.
This wraps around the side of the car, where you’ll find three sweeping lines breaking up the style. All models feature flush door handles, and there’s a host of new alloy wheel designs to choose from.
M Sport Pro models get the biggest, along with a raft of gloss-black trim to mark it out from other models.
Round the back, the tail lights give it a really cool look. In fact, the only angle where styling has really been carried over is the rear quarter, which side-on does look a little iX-like.
Inside the iX3: Interior and tech
Step inside and it becomes even clearer that this really is an all-new BMW. The interior feels like a genuine generational leap rather than an evolution of what came before.
The steering wheel is one of the first things you’ll notice.
Quality is excellent across the board. Depending on trim level you’ll find different materials and finishes, but the switchgear, plastics and general fit-and-finish all feel superb. In fact, it’s arguably a step ahead of the equivalent offerings from Audi and Mercedes.
M Sport models get a four-spoke wheel (pictured) with aluminium and gloss black trim
The steering wheel is one of the first things you’ll notice. It looks fantastic, but it’s also quite different to anything BMW has done before and not everyone will immediately get on with it. Spend a little time with it though and it quickly becomes clear it’s actually great to use. The tactile buttons provide haptic feedback and control a host of functions including the driver assistance systems.
The iX3 is also the first BMW to feature the brand’s all-new Panoramic iDrive system. That brings with it a huge 17.9-inch central touchscreen, but also a slim display that stretches across the lower section of the windscreen.
It’s endlessly configurable depending on drive mode and personalisation settings, and it gives the cabin a really futuristic feel. The familiar iDrive rotary controller has gone, but the touchscreen itself is extremely quick and responsive, so it never feels like a compromise.
Practicality is strong too. There’s plenty of space for four adults to travel comfortably, with rear passengers getting their own charging ports and decent legroom. The 520-litre boot is about average for the class, while you’ll also find useful storage areas dotted around the cabin.
Driving the iX3: First impressions
Out on the road the iX3 immediately impresses with just how refined it is. At motorway speeds it’s incredibly quiet thanks to a combination of clever sound insulation and active noise cancellation.
The iX3 feels surprisingly agile and smaller than it really is.
There’s also some neat tech at play inside the cabin, including voice controls that can work out who is speaking and respond accordingly. But this is still a BMW, and that means driving enjoyment hasn’t been forgotten. As with other electrified BMWs, the iX3 manages to be genuinely fun to drive.
On paper the performance figures might not seem particularly outrageous – 0–62mph takes 4.9 seconds – which means it won’t trouble something like a Tesla Model Y Performance in a straight line. But on a twisty road the iX3 feels surprisingly agile and, oddly, smaller than it really is. Considering it tips the scales at over two tonnes, that’s seriously impressive.
A lot of that is likely down to the brand’s new battery architecture. The pack uses new cylindrical cells that are integrated into the structure of the car itself, lowering the centre of gravity and improving rigidity.
There’s also BMW’s new “Heart of Joy” control unit, which essentially acts as the brain for the car’s powertrain, braking and regeneration systems. The result is smoother responses, sharper handling and a much more natural feel when slowing down through regenerative braking.
iX3 battery tech: Charging and range
Every version of the new iX3 comes fitted with BMW’s latest 108kWh battery pack.
Depending on the exact model and specification, BMW says it can deliver up to around 500 miles of range on a full charge. Even the least efficient versions still promise official WLTP figures comfortably into the high 400s.
That “Heart of Joy” system also helps maximise efficiency by managing regenerative braking more intelligently.
If those numbers hold up in the real world, it could be a genuine game-changer for BMW’s electric line-up.
Charging speeds have improved too thanks to that new battery architecture – you can add up to 231 miles of range in just 10 minutes using a 400kW rapid charger. Even if you’re using 350kW charger that’s widely available in the UK, adding hundreds of miles in under 15 minutes is a real game changer.
As mentioned, that “Heart of Joy” system also helps maximise efficiency by managing regenerative braking more intelligently. That means more energy being recovered during everyday driving, which ultimately helps stretch that range even further.
Public EV Charging: Made Simple with Be.EV
If you’re thinking of going electric, you’ll be pleased to hear we’ve got an exclusive offer from our partner Be.EV. They make public EV charging simple, affordable and easy to understand.
Their growing network of rapid chargers combined with subscription plans can help reduce charging costs. And thanks to our offer, you’ll get a further 50% off your first two charges of your new electric lease vehicle.
Should you lease a BMW iX3?
The new iX3 isn’t just another electric SUV. In many ways it’s the car that will define the next generation of BMW. It introduces an entirely new platform, a completely new interior technology system, and battery tech that could push real-world EV range further than we’ve seen before from the brand.
The iX3 is shaping up to be one of the most compelling options in the class.
If you’re looking to lease a premium electric SUV, the iX3 is shaping up to be one of the most compelling options in the class. It combines the practicality and tech buyers expect with the kind of driving experience that BMW has built its reputation on.
And if the range figures prove realistic, it might just be one of the most usable electric family cars on the market. Lease deals aren’t available yet, but we’ll be sure to bring you the widest range of offers as soon as they become available.
