The first Neue Klasse BMW has a bright future
BMW has seen record sales of V8-powered models recently, even as we’re well into the electrification era, proving that enthusiasts are still drawn to German cars with big, brawny engines. However, powertrain diversification is important right now—automakers are trying to cater to fans of old-school gas power, EV fans, and everything in between. With that in mind, BMW must be thrilled that its pivotal new iX3—the first of the new Neue Klasse vehicles—has gotten off to a strong start in its domestic market. The number of initial orders has exceeded BMW’s expectations and even surpassed those of the gas-powered X3.
iX3 Production Won’t Meet Demand
BMW
BMW
BMW
According to German publication Automobilwoche, BMW anticipates that production for the electric iX3 won’t meet demand in 2026.
“We received over 3,000 orders for the iX3 in the first six weeks after its launch at the IAA in Munich,” said Christian Ach, Head of Market Germany. Ach was speaking at the industry summit of the Institute for Automotive Industry (IfA).
The fact that the iX3 is more popular than the conventional, gas-powered X3 is notable, given that an all-new generation of the X3 went into production recently. Whereas the previous iX3 closely resembled its ICE X3 sibling—as is the case for most BMW ICE/EV pairings—the all-new iX3 debuted a completely new design direction for the brand, and is distinct from the X3.
It’s not only in the area of design that the new iX3 is so significant. It also comes with the brand’s new Panoramic iDrive interface, with a pillar-to-pillar display. Other major innovations for the iX3 include its four “superbrains” or high-performance computers, and its ability to charge at up to 400 kW.
Why A Strong Start Matters For The iX3
BMW
The strong early reception to the iX3 can’t be overstated. The design language, software integration, and tech features of this SUV will soon be featured in other Neue Klasse models like the i3 sedan, a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3. If the iX3 is already outpacing the X3 in new orders, it bodes well for the i3 and the entire next generation of BMWs.
Around 25 years ago, the E65 BMW 7 Series shocked the world with its bizarre styling and alienating iDrive interface. Much like the iX3, it also debuted a new approach to BMW design and ergonomics. Although it sold well, it took BMW a while to smooth over iDrive’s initial shortcomings, and the E65’s unorthodox styling details were eventually toned down with a substantial facelift. In other words, the company went into damage control mode—the original E65 was simply too much, too soon.
Based on the iX3’s early sales, BMW’s next era is off to a great start, and it won’t alienate diehard fans of the brand like that first E65 did.
About the author
Karl Furlong
Senior Editor, Autoblog