BMW is preparing a brand new all-electric SUV to battle the Mercedes EQC. It’s been called the Neue Klasse (New Class) SUV, although a more accurate name would be the 2025 BMW iX3.
That’s right, this is the replacement to the current iX3, which looks like an X3 with blocked-off kidneys… because that’s what it is. While BMW is currently developing an all-new X3, which will resemble the XM, the new iX3 will share its good looks with other members of the Neue Klasse family.
It began with a recent concept called the Vision Neue Klasse, which is believed to be a preview for the next 3 Series sedan. Its lines were inspired by the original Neue Klasse, which was produced from 1962 to 1972. But there are other preview concepts like the i Vision Concept DEE in January 2023 and the i Vision Circular of 2021.
Neue Klasse is actually a platform, not a car, which boasts 30 percent more range, 30 percent faster charging, and which is 25 percent more efficient than current BMW EVs. Production of these cars is slated to begin in July 2025 in Hungary, and BMW CEO Oliver Zipse claims that “by the end of the decade, the Neue Klasse is expected to account for more than half of our sales.”
The next BMW design that people love to hate
So half of the BMWs you see by 2030 will look like this, which makes the iX3 or Neue Klasse SUV a preview model. People already have opinions about the sedan concept which was presented in September, and they’re mostly negative.
So the 2025 iX3 will be the next BMW which people love to hate. However, that’s a good thing. BMW has a long track record of making controversial designs. One recent example is the M3/M4, which is proving to be the most popular performance car on the market. Also, further back, the E60 was called ugly but quickly became the most popular 5 Series ever made.
We believe this rendering from Kolesa is a very accurate depiction of the iX3 Neue Klasse SUV, based on concept images, spy photos and patent filings from BMW. As you can see, it’s a simplified look, a big departure from the complicated, aggressive design of the X3.
The lights and kidney grille have been integrated into single units. This reduces the number of trim pieces. In fact, there’s only one grille opening left on the car, in the lower bumper. In profile, the SUV is smooth, just like the iX, and features flush door handles.
The interior, meanwhile, will be a lot like the Vision Neue Klasse, minimalist to the extreme. BMW will put everything on the large central display, so the iX3 will feel a lot like the Tesla Model Y. Taking another play out of Tesla’s playbook, the SUV will feature autonomous driving, Level 3 no less.
We know the 2025 iX3 will feature cylindrical batteries, an 800-volt system for high-speed charging, and E-Drive powertrains which are potentially called 40, 40 xDrive, 50 xDrive, and M60 xDrive. The outputs are probably in the 400-600 hp range.
The Neue Klasse SUV will also be made in North America, but it will take a little longer. Assembly should take place at San Luis Potosi in Mexico, and the batteries will come from the Spartanburg battery plant, both beginning operations in 2027.
