With half of BMW’s gross sales represented by crossovers and SUVs, it makes excellent sense to kick-start the Neue Klasse EV revolution with the iX3. Arriving subsequent 12 months, the second-generation mannequin is transferring away from its CLAR bones to a much-awaited devoted platform. The underpinnings might be complemented by a recent design language with a pared-down strategy to distinction present traits of overdesign.

Our unique rendering makes an attempt to see into the way forward for the brand new iX3 by firming down the Imaginative and prescient Neue Klasse X launched earlier in the present day. For starters, we determined to interchange the idea’s tiny aspect cameras with conventional mirrors. Our imaginative and prescient (pun supposed) of the electrical crossover consists of the standard entrance and rear parking sensors. Furthermore, the showcar’s door handles mounted on the beltline have made approach for the standard flush door handles seen on the latest crop of BMWs.

Different modifications embrace thicker pillars and barely modified bumpers to realize a extra reasonable look. The lights at each ends of the automobile will not be as glitzy as they have been on the X, and we’ve added roof rails as nicely. BMW’s minimalist badge additionally seen on the 2023 Imaginative and prescient Neue Klasse sedan and the 2021 i Imaginative and prescient Round is changed right here by the normal roundel with a blue contour reserved for EVs.

Vertical crimson reflectors on the rear contribute to the production-ready look we’re going for with this design train. Our iX3 additionally has a license plate and further sensors mounted on the higher a part of the windshield. We changed the centerlock wheels of the X idea with a traditional five-lugnut set. For sure, the actual factor received’t look precisely like this, though we’re sure our rendering isn’t too far off.

By switching to a bespoke EV platform, we reckon the next-generation iX3 can have shorter overhangs than the outgoing mannequin. That might enable BMW to stretch the wheelbase for higher legroom. The prevailing CLAR-based iX3 was compromised from day one by way of packaging by having to adapt a platform primarily supposed for autos with combustion engines. With Neue Klasse, BMW will lastly develop EV-only fashions.

Through the BMW Group Annual Convention in the present day, firm executives introduced collection manufacturing will begin within the second half of 2025. That includes the “NA0” inside designation, the long run iX3 received’t carry the “Made in Germany” label because it’ll be manufactured on the new manufacturing unit in Debrecen (Hungary). The outgoing mannequin isn’t even in-built Europe because the CLAR-based iX3 comes alive in China.