New BMW iX3 Previewed Ahead of September 5 Debut

Ahead of its official debut on September 5, BMW has released a fresh teaser image of its upcoming electric SUV, the new iX3. While the teaser doesn’t reveal much, it does highlight the lighting signature of BMW’s upcoming Tesla Model Y rival.  As expected, the front end closely mirrors last year’s Vision Neue Klasse X concept. The production BMW iX3 SUV adopts vertically oriented kidney grilles—reserved exclusively for BMW SUVs—while sedans will use wider versions, as seen on the 2023 Neue Klasse sedan concept.

Codenamed “NA5”, the new iX3 inaugurates BMW’s Neue Klasse era and will be the first model produced at the company’s new Debrecen plant in Hungary. In 2026, it will be joined by a Neue Klasse-based i3 sedan built in Munich. Neue Klasse innovations—including iDrive X with Panoramic Vision—will also find their way into future combustion-powered BMWs.

The new-look BMW grille features an illuminated contour and more LED detailing than the concept, paired with sleek headlights nearly identical to the one on the concept shown earlier. A center recess on the hood frames the iconic BMW roundel. Unlike the concept, the production SUV uses conventional side mirrors, though BMW may still offer side cameras in select markets where regulations permit.

The version teased is the iX3 50 xDrive, which promises up to 644km EPA range and 800km WLTP range. A long-wheelbase variant for China will follow in 2026, boasting  900km CLTC range.

BMW is expected to broaden the lineup with a rear-wheel-drive single-motor variant, and reports suggest M Performance and even full-fledged M models are in development. All variants will use sixth-generation round-cell batteries paired with next-gen electric motors.

Apart from the Tesla Model Y, the ix3 will also take on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6 among other electric SUVs.