BMW has revealed the next-generation iX3, and it’s coming to South Africa.
The iX3 is the first series-produced model in the brand’s Neue Klasse range of vehicles, showcasing the design language we can expect from the BMWs of tomorrow.
It is scheduled to go on sale in Europe in spring 2026, after which it will make its way to South Africa.
The carmaker’s local division confirmed that the new iX3 will launch here in the third quarter of 2026.
In other words, it should release roughly one year from now.
What to expect
BMW stated that the new iX3 will “launch the company’s new design language, which will be replicated across the whole of the brand’s model range in due course.”
It is 4,782mm in length, 1,895mm in width, and 1,635mm in height with a 520-litre boot, which can be expanded to 1,750 litres when the rear seats are folded.
Since it is an electric car, it also has a “frunk” under the bonnet that can store an additional 58 litres of cargo.
The iconic kidney grille has been reshaped to pay homage to the models of the 1960s, resulting in a smaller, more vertical design than most of the brand’s other recent entries.
Like all modern BMWs, the kidney grille is illuminated and flanked by a pair of slim LED daytime running lights and headlights.
The general proportions of the car are fairly muscular, similar to what we’ve seen on the next-gen X3, and are designed to draw attention to the enormous alloy wheels that range from 20 to 22 inches in size.
At the back, the iX3 has a distinctive set of LED taillights that extend horizontally towards the centre badge while forming a repeating L shape.
However, it’s the interior where the next-gen SUV truly distinguishes itself from any other BMW currently on the market.
The company stated that they followed an “uncluttered and reduced” design philosophy created specifically for their electric vehicles (EVs).
It has large windows and an optional panoramic sunroof, allowing more natural light into the cabin to make it feel more spacious.
By default, the seats are made from BMW’s “Econeer” sustainable materials in Vivid Grey, but customers will be able to swap this for Merino leather and M PerformTex upholstery in Black Bicolour or Adelaide Grey upon request.
The optional M Sport Pro package will also add high-gloss black finishes to several exterior and interior components, and add M Sport seats and an M steering wheel.
The iX3 will be the first series-produced model to feature the manufacturer’s new BMW Panoramic iDrive, comprised of four central elements.
Firstly, there is a new display that projects information across the width of the windscreen, from A pillar to A pillar.
This display replaces the more traditional digital instrument cluster for the driver, and the content shown in the centre and front passenger side can be customised according to personal preference.
This windscreen-wide information system can be combined with an optional 3D heads up display to show integrated navigation information onto the road with spatial depth.
The centre of the dashboard is dominated by a new free-standing infotainment screen with vertical widgets that grant direct access to frequently used functions via a QuickSelect system.
All of the screens run on the newly developed “BMW Operating System X,” which supports BMW Maps and the Digital Key Plus system, allowing owners to link their smartphones and smartwatches as keyless entry devices.
The infotainment screen can also access the BMW ConnectedDrive Store, granting access to third-party apps for music, gaming, news, and travel content.
The last element of the cockpit is a new set of physical controls for things like the wipers, turn signals, exterior mirrors, volume controls, gear selector, hand brake, and hazard lights.
Other functions can be accessed through the buttons on the four-spoke multifunction steering wheel, or via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with voice commands, which has been trained on Large Language Model technology.
A few of the other features that have been confirmed thus far include a 13-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, two-zone climate control, an electric tailgate, a wireless charging pad, a heated steering wheel, and ambient lighting.
Powering all of this is the company’s sixth-generation EV tech developed for its Neue Klasse models.
The iX3 50 xDrive features a pair of electric motors – one over each axle – that generate a combined 345kW and 645Nm.
This lets the SUV sprint from 0 to 100km/h in a scorching 4.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 210km/h.
BMW claims that the Neue Klasse drive system reduces energy loss by 40% compared to its previous-gen EVs.
The e-motors get their energy from a battery with a usable content of 108.7kWh – enough to afford a driving range of 805km.
Using an 800V DC rapid charging station can add 372km of range to the battery in just 10 minutes, and a 10-80% charge can be done in roughly 21 minutes.
The iX3 also supports 11kW and 22kW AC charging speeds, though the automaker didn’t state how long these options would take to replenish the cells.
Another selling point is bi-directional charging, effectively turning the car into a mobile power bank that can run device.
More information on the new BMW iX3 will be announced closer to its South African launch window in Q3 2026.
2026 BMW iX3
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