BMW is entering perhaps the most uncertain phase of its 109-year history. The shift to battery-electric vehicles wasn’t a voluntary decision—it was mandated by the EU after Dieselgate exposed the criminal extent of BMW’s involvement in bypassing emissions regulations. The Neue Klasse iX3, in that sense, was forged from the burning ashes of historical fraud. Now the company champions emissions-free driving and sustainability—two things it skillfully avoided for the better part of 25 years until the domino effect of Dieselgate revealed its true priorities.
If BMW had its way, it would still be exclusively producing petrol and diesel cars. Behind the scenes, away from public scrutiny, executives continue to focus on internal combustion models, hoping the shift to EVs proves to be nothing more than a failed experiment. That may have been their thinking a few years ago, but they overlooked—or willfully ignored—what Chinese automakers were doing with their electric vehicle plans.
Today, Chinese EVs are not only cheaper but, in many cases, better than anything BMW can produce. With Germany losing access to cheap natural gas and sliding into deindustrialisation, Chinese manufacturers are moving in. For BMW and its German rivals, the only remaining advantage is driving feel and steering precision. But once the Chinese master those qualities—and they will—what then? What future remains for BMW?
The Neue Klasse isn’t just an erudite shift into the battery-electric era—it’s also a clear attempt to make the public forget about the Dieselgate scandal once and for all. Now BMW promotes itself as being all about the environment and sustainability, but the cynic in me doesn’t believe any of it. The bottom line is that EVs are infinitely better than ICE-powered cars; the only real hindrance was battery technology, and that barrier has now been overcome.
The Neue Klasse is exemplified by the BMW iX3, which heralds a new design language, updated interior technology, and advanced EV powertrain systems. At the same time, BMW seems to be returning to its roots—building interiors with quality materials and a more refined feel. In recent years, BMW’s interiors have lagged behind the competition, so it’s interesting to see them entering a new era by revisiting some old strengths.
Reading BMW’s iX3 press release, however, feels a bit like tackling all twelve volumes of The Lord of the Rings—something very few people ever actually do. So instead, we’ve pulled out the most relevant and interesting highlights from the corporate mind-control document for you.
About Neue Klasse iX3
The all-new iX3, the first production model of its long-awaited Neue Klasse generation, marks a major step in the brand’s push towards electrification and digitalisation.
Inside, the iX3 showcases BMW’s new Panoramic iDrive, which spans the windscreen with an advanced digital display, paired with an optional 3D head-up display and a minimalist cockpit design. Sustainable, leather-free materials feature throughout, including Econeer fabrics and recycled PET textiles, with increased rear legroom compared to the outgoing model.
The next-generation Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) debuts BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology, offering a range of up to 400 miles and 400 kW ultra-fast charging that can add 231 miles in just ten minutes.
The system also reduces energy losses by 40 per cent, cuts weight by 10 per cent and lowers production costs by 20 per cent compared with its predecessor. At the heart of the iX3 is a new digital architecture featuring four high-performance “superbrain” computers.
Among them, the so-called “Heart of Joy” oversees driving dynamics, braking and charging, enabling 98 per cent of braking manoeuvres to be handled through energy recuperation while delivering sharper handling and greater efficiency.
The iX3 will be offered in three trims—standard, M Sport, and M Sport Pro—with prices starting at £58,755 OTR in the UK. Production begins in autumn 2025, with first customer deliveries scheduled for 7 March 2026.
