BMW iX3 first drive: a ‘New Class’ is in session | The VergeSkip to main contentThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.The VergeThe Verge logo.TechReviewsScienceEntertainmentAIHamburger Navigation ButtonThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.Hamburger Navigation ButtonNavigation DrawerThe VergeThe Verge logo.Login / Sign UpcloseCloseSearchTechExpandAmazonAppleFacebookGoogleMicrosoftSamsungBusinessCreatorsMobilePolicySecurityTransportationReviewsExpandLaptopsPhonesHeadphonesTabletsSmart HomeSmartwatchesSpeakersDronesScienceExpandSpaceEnergyEnvironmentHealthEntertainmentExpandGamesTV ShowsMoviesAudioAIVerge ShoppingExpandBuying GuidesDealsGift GuidesSee All ShoppingCarsExpandElectric CarsAutonomous CarsRide-sharingScootersOther TransportationFeaturesVideosExpandYouTubeTikTokInstagramPodcastsExpandDecoderThe VergecastVersion HistoryNewslettersExpandThe Verge DailyInstallerVerge DealsNotepadOptimizerRegulatorThe StepbackArchivesStoreSubscribeFacebookThreadsInstagramYoutubeRSSThe VergeThe Verge logo.BMW iX3 first drive: a ‘New Class’ is in sessionComments DrawerCommentsLoading commentsGetting the conversation ready...TransportationCloseTransportationPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All TransportationTechCloseTechPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All TechCarsCloseCarsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All CarsBMW iX3 first drive: a ‘New Class’ is in sessionBMW’s latest electric crossover SUV is about to put the rest of the segment to shame.by Tim StevensCloseTim StevensFreelancerPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Tim StevensDec 3, 2025, 11:01 PM UTCLinkShare Image: Tim Stevens / The VergeTransportationCloseTransportationPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All TransportationTechCloseTechPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All TechCarsCloseCarsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All CarsBMW iX3 first drive: a ‘New Class’ is in sessionBMW’s latest electric crossover SUV is about to put the rest of the segment to shame.by Tim StevensCloseTim StevensFreelancerPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Tim StevensDec 3, 2025, 11:01 PM UTCLinkShareBMW has been peppering us with teasers and bits and pieces about its next-gen EV platform, Neue Klasse, for so long — fully two years now — that I confess I’ve become a bit numb to the hype. I’d seen the dashboard-filling displays, talked to engineers endlessly about the completely retooled active safety suite, and even got a go behind the wheel of a prototype machine.All this for the launch of a crossover SUV, typically the most milquetoast of all the automotive classifications. But after spending the better part of a day wheeling around the final version of the iX3, I’m surprised to say it was all worth it. This little(ish) SUV really is a game changer on multiple fronts, a major step forward for BMW’s electric efforts, and a machine that might even be good enough to beat the EV sales slump.Platform basicsFor carmakers, platforms are key. They’re the core elements that allow relatively quick and inexpensive development of multiple new models without having to completely reinvent core elements like chassis, engines, suspension, and software. Neue Klasse (German for “New Class”) is BMW’s latest and greatest new platform, intended to form the foundation of a series of EVs to come.The iX3 is the first of those, a compact SUV that’s more or less the same size as BMW’s existing X3, offering similar amounts of cargo and space for five passengers. This new platform tucks the battery down low and pushes its two motors to the front and rear. None of that is novel in the EV space, but most of BMW’s previous EVs have relied on platforms designed for internal combustion. This one’s optimized for EVs from the beginning.There’s a 108.7kWh usable battery pack in there, powering the pair of motors that, combined, offer 463 horsepower and 476 pound-feet of torque through all four wheels. Maximum range will be around 400 miles (EPA testing has not yet been completed), 40-odd more than Tesla’s longest-range Model Y.BMW’s engineers told me that the iX3’s new electrical architecture is really the key, including more efficient motors and silicon-carbide inverters. It charges faster, too, at up to 400kW if you can find a plug backed by enough juice. That’ll be a NACS plug, by the way, as this will be BMW’s first to support the Tesla-style connector.PreviousNext1/7Tech boostA quick glance in the cabin of the iX3 reveals the SUV’s biggest tech upgrade: the pillar-to-pillar Panoramic Vision display. Think of it like an ultra-widescreen heads-up display that acts as a gauge cluster on the left, but has six customizable sections in the middle and the right where you can display anything from efficiency information to whatever’s playing on Spotify.Enough never being enough, the iX3 also has an actual 3D heads-up display that projects above the Panoramic Vision, plus a 17.9-inch, 3,340 x 1,440 rhomboid-shaped touchscreen for good measure. It’s display overload and a little overwhelming the first time you get in the car, but I found it to be seamless enough to not be a distraction. If it all seems like a bit too much for you, it’s easy enough to disable the more expansive or attention-grabbing display sections.The in-car experience is paired with an upgraded My BMW app that not only lets you remotely park the car from outside and get a 3D view of the inside or outside of the car; you can even queue up playlists on your phone or give your passengers control to do the same from their own devices.To experience the more important tech upgrades, though, you need to be behind the wheel.Next-gen active safetyTaking back control from many of today’s more advanced active safety systems in cars can sometimes feel like wrestling. Often, a firm yank of the wheel is required to override a lane-centering system, which can result in a disconcertingly jerky experience for your passengers.The iX3, on the other hand, is designed to be totally seamless. If you have BMW’s Highway Assistant enabled, it’ll steer itself in most situations on the highway, but you can just reach up and grab the wheel whenever you like. There’s no resistance to overcome, and if you let go the car just takes over again.Even if you want to change lanes the car can help you there. When prompted, glance in the mirror and the car will change lanes on its own. Or, if you grab the wheel and change lanes yourself, the car will apply the turn signal for you automatically.BMW’s system will also stay enabled if you hit the brake pedal. You can come to a complete stop if you like, then release the brake and the car will smoothly bring itself back up to speed. The system stays engaged until you turn it off — or hit the brakes more aggressively — working with you instead of against you.PreviousNext1/7The drive experienceThis new safety system feels a bit odd at first. It took me some time to figure out when it was on and when it was off. But, after a few minutes on the highway, I got into the groove of things. It really did feel more like working collaboratively with the car instead of having its systems constantly turning on and off. The hands-off system worked extremely well, too, cleanly moving through traffic.It wasn’t until I hit some secondary country roads that I could get a feel for just how good the iX3 was to drive, though. That dual-motor setup means full-time all-wheel drive, but the power split between those two motors changes depending on what drive mode you’re in. The car feels safe and secure in Personal, the regular drive mode. Drive it as aggressively as you want and it just has a calm, predictable nature that makes it easy to keep pointed in the right direction without too much input from the driver.To experience the more important tech upgrades, you need to be behind the wheelSwitch over to Sport, though, and the tail kicks out just a bit under hard acceleration, making the iX3 feel like a traditional, rear-driven BMW. This isn’t a rocket ship, but it is quick and the suspension strikes a great balance between predictable, comfortable handling and sporty response. Even the steering feels sharp and has respectable feedback, just like BMWs of old.In a lot of ways, this wholly new package feels like a return to form, a new SUV that has engaging driving and safety at its core but blends in enough luxury and refinement to keep its premium cachet. But it isn’t a sure-fire success. For one thing, there’s the look. BMW has been pushing boundaries with many of its latest designs, and the iX3 certainly has an edgy style. After initially hating it, I have to admit that after a day behind the wheel I quickly warmed up to the iX3’s appearance, particularly when viewed from the rear.Even if you like the SUV’s style, there’s still the question of cost. BMW hasn’t set formal pricing for the 2026 BMW iX3 yet, only that it will start around $60,000. That puts it at least $10,000 more than a base, gas-powered X3 SUV. With federal EV incentives no longer at play, that delta could be a difficult one for many shoppers to stomach.But, despite sharing most of a name, these two SUVs feel worlds apart. With enough range and fast enough charging to obliterate range anxiety, plus with an abundance of volume, handling, and comfort, the EV is the obvious play for those with room in their budget.Photography by Tim StevensFollow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.Tim StevensCloseTim StevensFreelancerPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Tim StevensBMWCloseBMWPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All BMWCarsCloseCarsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All CarsElectric CarsCloseElectric CarsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All Electric CarsHands-onCloseHands-onPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All Hands-onReviewsCloseReviewsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All ReviewsTechCloseTechPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All TechTransportationCloseTransportationPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All TransportationMost PopularMost PopularSteam Machine today, Steam Phones tomorrowOpenAI declares ‘code red’ as Google catches up in AI raceCrucial is shutting down — because Micron wants to sell its RAM and SSDs to AI companies insteadSilicon Valley is rallying behind a guy who sucksHBO Max’s Mad Men 4K release is the opposite of a remasterThe Verge DailyA free daily digest of the news that matters most.Email (required)Sign UpBy submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice. 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BMW’s iX3 represents a significant step forward for the German automaker’s electric vehicle ambitions, and a potential game-changer for the entire segment. After a full day behind the wheel, it’s clear that this crossover SUV isn’t just a slightly electric version of the existing X3 – it’s a genuinely new class of vehicle, marked by an impressive range, rapid charging capabilities, and a remarkably intuitive driving experience.

The core of the iX3’s transformation lies in its entirely new Neue Klasse platform. This platform is radically different from BMW’s previous EV architectures, designed from the ground up for electrification. Key elements include a centrally located battery pack that optimizes weight distribution, and the integration of two electric motors – one at the front and one at the rear. This setup delivers a robust 463 horsepower and 476 pound-feet of torque, capable of propelling the vehicle to 60 mph in roughly 4.6 seconds. This performance is notable and competitive with other premium electric SUVs.

Beyond the raw power, the iX3’s technology is a considerable leap. The standout feature is the pillar-to-pillar Panoramic Vision display, effectively transforming the instrument cluster into a massive, customizable heads-up display. While initially overwhelming with its six configurable sections, the system quickly becomes manageable and offers a wealth of information. Coupled with a 3D heads-up display and the 17.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, the iX3’s interior is packed with cutting-edge technology. The My BMW app integration, which allows for remote control of various vehicle functions, further enhances the ownership experience.

Notably, BMW has prioritized the driving experience, and the iX3’s active safety systems embody this commitment. The Highway Assistant, in particular, demonstrates exceptional smoothness and responsiveness, allowing for truly hands-free driving on the highway. The system’s ability to seamlessly blend into traffic flow, without the jerky movements often associated with other lane-keeping systems, is a significant advancement.

The iX3's capabilities extend to charging. The vehicle supports ultra-fast charging rates up to 400kW, thanks to the NACS connector, allowing for substantially quicker replenishment of the battery. However, the iX3 isn't just about technology. The driving experience is further enhanced by a new powertrain that delivers predictable and powerful performance. The vehicle feels secure and confident during cornering, while maintaining a steady balance between comfort and responsiveness.

Despite its considerable advancements, the iX3 isn’t without its compromises. The styling is a somewhat divisive topic, with a sharp, angular design that may not appeal to everyone. More critically, the iX3’s price point starting around $60,000, puts it at a premium compared to the standard X3. While federal EV incentives may mitigate this cost difference, it could still be a barrier for some potential buyers.

Ultimately, the iX3 represents a bold, ambitious move by BMW. It’s a vehicle that isn’t merely a stepping stone to electrification; it’s a fully realized EV that demonstrates BMW’s commitment to innovation and a genuinely elevated driving experience—one that could potentially challenge Tesla's dominance in the electric crossover segment.