New hope with power: BMW iX3 celebrates world premiere - the retro technology wonder weapon

Fans are already eagerly awaiting the first model of the New Class. And even those with moderate interest now want to finally see what BMW has been announcing with great fanfare for months. So, here we are: the new BMW iX3.

I admit, the iX3 isn't entirely new to me anymore. BMW has already given selected journalists the opportunity to drive prototypes. This allowed the journalists to experience the dynamic capabilities of the mid-size SUV for themselves. And the charging performance has also been demonstrated.

I flinched briefly when I spotted a photorealistic graphic of the uncamouflaged iX3 on the central monitor. "Looks fancy," I thought to myself. So I wasn't completely unprepared when, after a brief speech by the board, the curtain was raised and the 4.78-meter-long SUV was revealed for the first time in its original size, live, and in color.

And sometimes it's the little things that throw you off track. I was particularly taken with the iX3's illuminated retro kidney grille—it exudes a 1960s vibe. However, the engineers combined the modern LED design with modern gimmicks, allowing you to choose between different light signatures.

A closer look at the SUV reveals that the basic layout isn't actually all that progressive. Details like the front end with its Plexiglas inserts and striking LED taillights create the retro-futuristic impression. The rear logo is placed on a specially sculpted sheet metal "plateau," so to speak.

Now, however, BMW has a tiny problem. Since the business media and even "Der Spiegel" have already written up and down about how much the New Class is supposed to save "the German auto industry," expectations are very high. The media didn't want it any smaller; the main thing was drama.

iX3 is emotional

But hey, on an emotional level, the new Munich car should already attract a critical mass. It definitely has what it takes. And while we've already been able to explore, experience, and feel it, today, in addition to the unveiling, it's finally time for the numbers. While the iX3 range is likely to be rounded out at the bottom with more affordable entry-level versions for the time being, BMW is now presenting the data for the top-of-the-line iX3 50 in a comprehensive and comprehensive manner.

Thus, as is typical for the Munich-based company, there are no permanent magnet motors under the sheet metal. Instead, the top-of-the-line variant features a duo of a so-called current-excited synchronous motor on the rear axle and an asynchronous motor on the front axle. This eliminates the use of rare earth metals, which are considered critical. The machine ensemble produces 469 hp. This system output consists of 167 hp and 255 Newton meters of torque at the front and 326 hp and 435 Newton meters at the rear. Enough power to propel the iX3 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. It tops out at 210 km/h.

And the power storage? BMW provides 108.7 kWh of net capacity; according to the manufacturer, the system can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 21 minutes with a peak charging power of 400 kW. This could make the SUV attractive for long-distance and frequent drivers who have previously eschewed electric drivetrains. BMW specifies a range of 679 to 805 kilometers with an average power consumption of 15.1 to 17.9 kWh per 100 km. And if a picnic awaits at your distant destination and you want to fire up the electric grill, that's also possible thanks to the "vehicle-to-load" function.

And to ensure that you can also take barbecue food and plenty of luggage with you on your journey, the SUV offers 520 liters of luggage space with the rear seat backrests upright, which can be expanded to 1750 liters.

BMW has also revealed a few details about the exterior options. There's a selection of 20-, 21-, or 22-inch wheels. Additionally, prospective buyers can choose from six exterior colors at launch, including a solid paint finish and five metallic finishes. Prices for the top-of-the-line model start at €68,900. That's a lot of money for a mid-size car, but variants with less power and presumably smaller batteries will follow later.

Now it remains to be seen what the configurator will have to offer. Perhaps even an M version at the top end? A little patience is still required, as first deliveries are scheduled for spring 2026.