German car giant BMW has unveiled its latest electric SUV, the iX3, capable of travelling roughly 500 miles on a single charge, marking a high-stakes push to regain ground in the fiercely competitive EV market.
The German manufacturer presented the Neue Klasse iX3 ahead of the IAA Mobility motor show, signalling its entry into next-generation electric vehicles.
Production is set to start by the end of 2025, with European showrooms expected to welcome the car by March 2026 for €68,900 (£59,755).
The iX3 is the first model under BMW's Neue Klasse branding, which translates to "new class" in German and hopes to regain critical EV market share.
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The new BMW iX3 is set to enter showrooms by March 2026
|BMW
The performance of the new model was seen to be a headline feature with the SUV packing dual electric motors delivering 469 horsepower and 645 Newton-metres of torque, propelling it from 0 to 62mph in 4.9 seconds.
Meanwhile, BMW's sixth-generation eDrive technology also allows the vehicle to travel 500 miles under testing conditions.
The rapid charging has also been improved with compatible 800-volt stations, adding 231 miles of range in just 10 minutes, while the battery can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 21 minutes.
Analysts explained that a key part of BMW's strategy to recover market share, particularly in China, where local EV manufacturers have surged ahead.
The model is capable of travelling 500 miles
|BMW
Deutsche Bank experts noted that success would require "a careful balancing act, adapting to local market demands and implementing a pricing strategy that resonates with Chinese consumers".
BMW chief executive Oliver Zipse said at the Munich launch: "The iX3 is a massive leap that will shape the entire brand for years to come. Practically everything about it is new, yet it is also more BMW than ever.
"This is about performance, sustainability, and technology coming together. The iX3 demonstrates what the Neue Klasse can achieve."
Speaking about BMW's ambitions in China, Mr Zipse explained that the Chinese market is "key for our electric strategy" and that a balance of local expectations and premium standards was needed.
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According to the brand's latest reports, Asia and China saw the biggest slump in sales, with numbers down 10 per cent and 13.7 per cent respectively during the second quarter.
Mr Zipse added: "With the iX3, we are combining performance, innovation, and sustainability. This vehicle shows BMW's determination to lead in electric mobility while keeping our DNA intact."
The new electric model follows a turbulent year for the car maker, which has been juggling to keep its EV sales high while also dealing with US car tariffs.
Earlier this year that it would delay its massive £600million investment to reintroduce electric vehicle production at its Oxford Mini plant.
BMW hopes the iX3 will regain consumer interest, particularly across Asia
|BMW
The carmaker cited "multiple uncertainties facing the automotive industry" as the key reason for the move, with the pause hoping to allow the company enough time to make rearrangements.
BMW said at the time: "Plant Oxford is at the heart of Mini production, manufacturing and exporting a range of models, which are sought after in the UK and around the world."
The carmaker explained that it had informed the UK Government of the decision to review the timeline for reintroducing battery-electric production in Oxford.
"As part of this discussion, we agreed not to take the previously announced grant, but we remain in close dialogue about our future plans," the group shared.