BMW iX3 Prototype Enters Final Testing Phase Ahead Of Its Debut In September 2025
BMW has begun final testing of the iX3, its first electric SUV from the Neue Klasse platform, in southern France. Set to debut at the IAA Mobility event in September 2025, production will start later that year in Hungary. The iX3 features the new BMW Panoramic iDrive interface and sixth-generation electric drive system, offering an impressive range of up to 800 km and rapid charging capabilities. It will also support bidirectional charging and advanced driver-assistance systems utilizing AI, enhancing overall driving experience and automation.
Photo : TIMES DRIVE
BMW iX3 Prototype Enters Final Testing Phase Ahead Of Its Debut In September 2025
German automaker BMW has announced that the company has commenced final testing of the upcoming iX3, electric SUV which is also the first series production model under the Neue Klasse platform. Sharing this update the company shared that the iX3 prototype is currently undergoing test runs in Miramas, southern France. The upcoming iX3 is scheduled to make its first public debut at the IAA Mobility event in Munich in September 2025. Production is scheduled to begin by the end of the year at BMW’s new facility in Debrecen, Hungary.
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New Display & Control Layout Introduced
The upcoming iX3 will feature a revised display and control system called BMW Panoramic iDrive. This interface will run on a new software platform, Operating System X, which supports both manual and digital operations and allows software updates. The system includes:
- A windscreen-wide projection surface named BMW Panoramic Vision.
- A 3D head-up display that shows information directly in front of the driver.
- A screen near the steering wheel using matrix backlight technology.
- A multifunction steering wheel with visible and tactile controls.
Electric Powertrain With Gen6 System
The iX3 will be the first vehicle to use BMW’s sixth-generation electric drive system. The new battery and motor setup will later be introduced across additional vehicle types in the Neue Klasse range. This includes:
- A battery made with cylindrical cells, offering higher energy storage compared to earlier cell designs.
- 800V system voltage for compatibility with various fast-charging infrastructure.
- A driving range of up to 800 km (WLTP). The battery can be charged to add approximately 350 km of range in about 10 minutes at 400kW DC charging stations.
Bidirectional Charging
A new version of the BMW Wallbox is being introduced to support these features, with a maximum charging and discharging capacity of 19.2kW, depending on regional availability.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): To power external devices at up to 3.7kW. The new iX3 will offer bidirectional charging functions, including:
- Vehicle-to-Home (V2H): To support home electricity use from the car’s battery.
- Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G): To transfer energy back to the power grid.
- Control System For Vehicle Dynamics
BMW will introduce a new control computer called the Heart of Joy. It will coordinate functions including:
- Steering inputs
- Braking
- Energy recuperation
- Power delivery
The company has highlighted that this system processes inputs faster than previous units and adjusts the vehicle’s behavior during acceleration, braking, and cornering. It enables braking through energy regeneration under most conditions without using traditional friction brakes.
ADAS With AI
The iX3 will launch with new assistance features developed through a combination of existing rule-based systems and new AI-based processing. These include:
- Lane change warnings
- Traffic exit alerts
- Visual driving situation display
- Parking assistance
According to the data shared by the company these new systems will also assist with urban and highway driving. Features include slowing for traffic lights and resuming movement automatically. An updated system allows partial driving automation on highways, including hands-off operation under certain conditions.
The iX3 will use a new electronic and software structure built on four high-speed processors. These systems support:
- Automated driving functions
- Driver assistance tools
- Voice-based commands
- Remote software updates
Production
The iX3 will be unveiled at IAA Mobility 2025 and production will begin by the end of the year in Debrecen, Hungary. It is the first in a line of Neue Klasse electric vehicles that will be based on this structure.
Management’s Viewpoint
Mike Reichelt, Head of Neue Klasse BMW said, “With the upcoming BMW iX3 – the first model of the new car generation – we are introducing fundamental technology upgrades with the clear aim of raising the typical BMW driving pleasure to a whole new level. With the all-new BMW iX3, we bring our revolutionary technologyies into series production for the first time, and we can hardly wait to see it in action on the road.”
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