The new BMW iX3 is brainier than you

BMW has been building electric cars for a while now – and good ones, too. Indeed, the outgoing iX3 remains a very popular model despite it being effectively superseded by an entirely new generation of X3. These are all hybrids, petrols or diesels, though, while this new iX3 – or at least the one lurking under the disguise – is an all-new pure electric version previously teased as the Vision Neue Klasse X but confirmed for sale as the iX3 from later this year. And … it’s clever. Really clever. So clever it has four ‘superbrains’ onboard to control all its many and various features.
• New iX3 has been developed from the start as an electric car, not adapted from a combustion-engined one like the previous generation • Confusingly, although it carries the X3 name it’s a totally different car from the latest version you can already buy with is range of petrol, diesel and hybrid engines • Next generation battery and motors mean the iX3 50 xDrive will go just shy of 500 miles on a charge • Your home charger probably won’t support this (yet) but the iX3 will be able to operate as a giant power bank for your home, putting power back into the grid when the battery isn’t needed for driving • Innovative interior projects essential driver info onto a black pane running the full width of the interior below the windscreen – there’s also a regular central screen, driver display and head up display (HUD) depending on the trim level • Four ‘Superbrain’ computer systems control everything from interior functions to next-level assisted driving features that work in town and on the motorway • Covers come off the car in September, sales are supposed to start before the year is out

At this teaser stage the iX3 is still hiding under its prototype camouflage. But the previously announced Vison Neue Klasse X and the saloon version already revealed offer a decent sense of the exterior looks, which will combine the outgoing iX3’s popular SUV stance and profile with BMW’s all-new design language. Which – sighs of relief all round – looks to have scaled back the controversial stylised kidney grille seen on the i4, iX and others. We’ll have to see what models are offered, but reading between the lines of the press release it seems there will – in the usual style – be a choice of single-motor and twin-motor all-wheel drive versions.

Again, we’ll have to extrapolate from the Vision Neue Klasse X about what the interior will look like. But we know the kind of tech it will have, because BMW is already making a lot of noise about it. One of the killer features is the new Panoramic iDrive, powered by the latest Operating System X. In short, this is a panel running the full width of the interior below the windscreen onto which driving information like – we’re guessing – speed, range, navigation and more can be projected according to need. There’s also a conventional centre screen and, if you pay extra, a 3D head-up display (HUD) projecting onto the windscreen itself. For all this, BMW is promising what it calls ‘shy tech’ under its philosophy of ‘Hands on the Wheel, Eyes on the Road’ and tactile control surfaces on the steering wheel you should be able to operate by muscle memory. So, hopefully no flailing around stabbing your fingers at a menu on a screen while trying to drive.

No facts and stats about the batteries or motors as yet, other than to say they move the game on in terms of their construction, control systems and efficiency. The new battery design is integrated into the car’s structure and has, apparently, a fifth higher power density than before while the ‘Gen6’ motor units are lighter, cheaper and make better use of their power. Which, we’ll assume, is one of the reasons for that attention grabbing (nearly) 500 miles between charges. At least by official figures. The Superbrain of Automated Driving (BMW’s capitalisation…) meanwhile controls the next-level driving assistance features which, where regulations permit, promise hands-off driving on the motorway and extra assistance around town. Another superbrain – this one with the weirdly sinister sounding name Heart of Joy – meanwhile controls the motors, braking, steering and more.

No word on pricing yet but we’ll see the finished car in September and sales are meant to be starting before the end of the year, though we might have to wait a bit longer here in the UK.

The Neue Klasse is the one for BMW this year, and will form the basis for its entire future generation of cars. So, kind of a big deal. Given the domination of SUVs in the market it’s little surprise to see the iX3 as the first, with the saloon likely to follow.

Electrified mid-size SUVs are the key battleground for manufacturers right now, and the iX3 launches into a fiercely competitive sector. However advanced the tech proves to be expect rivals to be hot on its heels with equivalent products.