The phrase Neue Klasse has always had a strong impact on BMW throughout its history. It first appeared on BMW’s medium sports sedan, the BMW 1500 all the way back in 1962, the model soon became a game changer in its segment and brought BMW out of its struggle and opened a new era for this iconic German brand. In 2026, the Neue Klasse is back, but this time in a completely different form. The line of Neue Klasse models are new electric vehicles that will go on to define the company’s future in this electric era.
The new iX3 is the first BMW model to be built on this brand-new electric architecture, representing a new beginning for the company’s electric lineup. This new generation of BMW electric model is defined by a new design language, BMW eDrive technology, and a completely brand-new software architecture that sets new standards for user experience. As we got to spend a moment with the new iX3 at this year’s SMMT Test Day at Millbrook Proving Ground, this new electric BMW left a huge impression on us, but not in the way we had anticipated. Here’s why…
This article examines the new technology and interior design of the BMW iX3 with a brief test drive review from the recent SMMT Test Day. All information has been sourced from the manufacturer, and all prices listed exclude destination fees and any offers. Pricing and specs are correct at the time of writing.
The Most Important BMW In Years
BMW iX3 40BMW
Before we get into why the iX3 left a huge impression on us on the test day, we first have to understand why it is possibly the most important BMW model to hit the market in years. As mentioned above, the iX3 is being based on a completely new electric architecture that’s aimed at redefining the user experience in every aspect regarding the vehicle.
2027 BMW iX3BMW
To start with, the new 800V architecture allows the new iX3 to charge at a maximum charging rate of 400 kW, which means that you can add up to 231 miles of range into the iX3 in just 10 minutes. The good news didn’t stop there. Thanks to the new sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology which has a higher energy density, the new iX3 can now go up to 500 miles on a single charge according to the WLTP standard. While the EPA suggested the iX3 50 xDrive can travel between 383 miles and 434 miles depending on wheel size.
2027 BMW iX3
Starting Price
$61,500
Power
469 hp
Torque
476 lb-ft
Drivetrain
AWD
0-60 mph
4.7 sec
Top Speed
130 mph
Range (EPA)
383–434 miles
New Level Of User Interface
2027 BMW iX3BMW
Another big highlight of the Neue Klasse model is the new digital user interface. The new Panoramic iDrive is accompanied by four high-performance computers called the “superbrains”, laying the foundation of what a true software-defined vehicle should feel like. Being the first production BMW to feature the Panoramic iDrive, the iX3 marks BMW’s new approach in defining the user experience while driving.
2027 BMW iX3BMW
The panoramic display is meant to create a new level of driver focus. It projects information across the full width of the windscreen, from one side of the A-pillar to the other. Pairing the fully customizable panoramic display with the processing power of the superbrains, the new iX3 truly represents a new level of user interface that we are expecting to see on the new generation of BMW models.
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Huge Focus On Tech And Comfort
2027 BMW iX3Johnson Chen/CarBuzz/Valnet
All the new improvements and technology sound exciting, but how does the iX3 really feel to drive? The model we got to drive at the SMMT Test Day is the top-spec M Sport Pro trim, which is the equivalent of the M Sport Professional trim in the US. While the exterior of the iX3 has been controversial ever since it was introduced, there is no getting over the fact that it has strong presence from first sight.
2027 BMW iX3Johnson Chen/CarBuzz/Valnet
The first impression you’ll get when hopping into the iX3 is the atmosphere created by the panoramic display and new infotainment system. While it may take some time to get used to it, the new panoramic dispay perfectly replaced the traditional gauge cluster in being the sole provider of driving information. The display sits between the edge of the dashboard and the windscreen, creating a layer of information that you can glance at without having to take your eyes off the road.
2027 BMW iX3Johnson Chen/CarBuzz/Valnet
The infotainment system is also another key highlight of the interior. The newly redesigned BMW Operating System X is fast to respond and easy to navigate. You can customize the layout of the panoramic display through the infotainment screen along with all functions related to the vehicle. In case you are too lazy to adjust things yourself, the BMW intelligent personal assistant is there at your disposal.
The only thing we didn’t like was the absence of a physical air vent, which had to be adjusted through the screen within the air conditioning menu. Apart from the slight inconvenience with the AC, the infotainment system on the new iX3 is a huge leap for BMW, signaling the next generation of BMW’s user experience.
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Comfort Over Sportiness
2027 BMW iX3BMW
The first impression of the iX3 on the road was that the ride quality was composed and refined. Despite being an M Sport model with a focus on driver engagement, BMW hasn’t forgotten that the iX3 is an SUV that will be transporting family.
There’s enough support from the suspension during corners and enough feedback from the steering wheel. However, it’s hard to hide the enormous mass of the iX3 in tight corners, and compared to previous generations of BMW models, you do get a feel that BMW has prioritized comfort over driver engagement. That being said, the iX3 is still a fun drive, the spaceship-like sound in Sport mode when you put your foot down – along with all the M Sport elements inside the vehicle – will remind you that you are driving a BMW, it’s just not as exciting as we anticipated.
How It Stacks Up Against Competitors
2027 BMW iX3BMW
The performance and improvement of the new iX3 is certainly impressive to behold, but so do its primary competitors, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. The newly introduced GLC Electric and Volvo’s EX60 are their answer to BMW’s Neue Klasse, and they’ve both got big numbers behind their backs, too. If we compare the top-spec model of each vehicle, we will find that their range and performance are relatively similar, proof that this new generation of electric SUVs represents the future of electric vehicles.
2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4MATIC with EQ TechnologyMercedes-Benz
To start with, all three are based on an 800V architecture, meaning faster charging speed and less charging time. On the GLC 400, the vehicle can be charged at a maximum rate of 330 kW and charging time from 10–80 percent is 22 minutes. As for the EX60, the top-spec P12 can be charged at a whooping 400 kW and will be charged from 10–80 percent in 19 minutes.
2027 Volvo EX60 driving shots + details.Volvo
For both the GLC Electric and EX60, while we don’t have the EPA ratings yet, we do know the GLC Electric has a WLTP range of 483 miles and the EX60 P12 was rated at 503 miles by WLTP, meaning they are on par with each other in terms of electric range.
BMW iX3 50 xDrive
Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4MATIC
Volvo EX60 P12
Power
469 hp
489 hp
680 hp
0-60 mph
4.9 sec
4.3 sec
3.9 sec
Range (WLTP)
500 miles
483 miles
503 miles
Charging Speed (10-80%)
21 min
22 min
19 min
Different Express Of Interior Space
2027 BMW iX3 interiorBMW
The interior design and technology are also a huge focus for these new electric SUVs. We’ve already seen BMW’s approach to the panoramic iDrive display, which is a key highlight on the iX3. Mercedes took a different approach, however, with the Hyperscreen dashboard that stretches throughout the entire width of the cabin while Mercedes’ new MB.OS system, the new GLC Electric is aimed at providing Mercedes level of refinement with the latest technology.
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The Volvo EX60, on the other hand, is not as dramatic at first glance when compared to its German rivals, but the EX60 is still the smartest Volvo ever. The central screen of the EX60 is run by a system designed by Google, meaning you can now talk to Google Gemini while driving, and the Gemini system is designed to evolve alongside the EX60, becoming smarter every time you use it.
The technology highlights of these three electric SUVs can go on for ages. But one thing is certain: they represent the newest technology and user experience. Regardless of which one you pick to drive home, they’ve defined what the next generation of car interior will look like.
Source: BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, EPA
