Subj : BMW reveals new iX3 EV with a monster 500-mile range, but I was e To : All From : TechnologyDaily Date : Mon Sep 08 2025 22:45:09 BMW reveals new iX3 EV with a monster 500-mile range, but I was expecting more from the first of the 'Neue Klasse' Date: Mon, 08 Sep 2025 21:30:00 +0000 Description: After much conceptual teasing, BMW reveals what the New Class of its electric vehicles looks like and I've been left a bit cold. FULL STORY ======================================================================The first of BMWs 'New Class' of vehicles is the the new iX3 The largest battery models will offer a 500-mile electric range The interior ushers in a new iDrive infotainment system BMW has taken the wraps off the first of its new 'Neue Klasse' vehicles a self-confessed resetting of the design language and approach to electric vehicle design from the German brand. First teased in the smooth and shapely BMW Vision Neue Klasse saloon two years ago, and then again with the X-badged Sports Activity Vehicle last year, the new lines veer away from the divisive giant front grilles and chintzy chrome towards a simpler, more cohesive future look. We are told the bold new approach will feature across more than 40 new models in the next two years, which is a staggering power play from a brand that, like so many established premium players, is feeling the heat from numerous more affordable Chinese rivals. The German marque is also setting out its stool when it comes to the performance of its electric powertrain, with the range-topping iX3 50 xDrive offering up to 500 miles on the WLTP cycle from a 108.7kWh battery pack. Ultra-rapid charging of up to 400kW is possible thanks to the now ubiquitous 800V electrical architecture, which will see 231 miles of range added in just 10 minutes. BMW has also started from scratch with the electrical architecture that will underpin the next generation of EVs. Four 'superbrain' high-performance computers will oversee driving dynamics, automated driving, infotainment and basic comfort functions. (Image credit: BMW) The so-called 'Heart of Joy' control unit will look after vehicle dynamics and is said to be 10 times faster than conventional rivals. Theres impressive stuff inside the cockpit too, with an all-new iteration of BMWs Panoramic iDrive infotainment system , which now consists of a trapezoidal central touchscreen, haptic buttons on the steering wheels and the pice de rsistance in the form of a huge black strip that runs the width of the windshield. This will house six individual data areas that can be customized to offer all manner of driving information, navigational instruction and multimedia. We will have to wait and see what it is like to interact with (especially those haptic steering wheel buttons), but it certainly looks impressive in the flesh. Analysis: Big range, big tech, bold looks Image 1 of 4 (Image credit: BMW) Image 2 of 4 (Image credit: BMW) Image 3 of 4 (Image credit: BMW) Image 4 of 4 (Image credit: BMW) While there are some styling elements that hark back to the undeniably beautiful original "New Class" cars of the 1960s, the exterior of the first modern interpretation will likely divide opinion. The press images do a lot of heavy lifting, showing off the side creases with clever use of reflections and making the stance look more aggressive with lighting tricks, but I was a tad disappointed seeing it in the flesh. Its still not a conventionally beautiful car and although it steers clear of the enormous chrome kidney grille of recent BMW models, it still relies on illuminated elements that have become increasingly popular on models hailing from China. But BMW says prices will starts at 58,755 for the 50 xDrive in the UK, with prices expected to start at under $60,000 in the US (around AU$91,00), which is less than both the current ICE X3 and the outgoing iX3 EV, despite being roomier, more powerful and offering a vastly greater range. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all, but BMW seems to be ensuring everything else in the Neue Klasse package ticks all of the right boxes. Im just happy to hold out for the saloon version, which promises to look infinitely better. You might also like Goodbye, buttons BMW's new Panoramic iDrive system gives all its cars a massive head-up display with AI assistant Huawei and Xpeng just turned an entire EV windshield into a head-up display and it could be a glimpse of your distracting driving future BMWs Neue Klasse X gives us a glimpse of its next electric crossovers just don't call it an SUV ====================================================================== Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/bmw-reveals-ne w-ix3-ev-with-a-monster-500-mile-range-but-i-was-expecting-more-from-the-first -of-the-neue-klasse --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 (Linux/64) * Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100) .