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BMW brings the Neue Klasse iX3 to North America on Sept. 21
BMW will unveil its Neue Klasse-based iX3 in North America on September 21, 2025, with a public showcase in New York City that highlights the brand's push toward responsible innovation. The event at Bathhouse Studios will feature BMW of North America's leadership and development chief Joachim Post, who has described the new iX3 as "a new industry standard" — language that underscores BMW's claim that this generation packs an unprecedented level of production-ready technology while prioritizing sustainability.
From concept to production: what changed
Previewed by the Vision Neue Klasse X concept in 2024, the latest iX3 represents more than a styling update: it is the first iX3 built on BMW's BEV-centric Neue Klasse platform. Series production began in Europe in early September 2025, with cars rolling out of the Debrecen assembly complex in Hungary. For North America, BMW of North America lists the package as a 2027 model year vehicle due to reach dealers in summer 2026/2027, depending on timing and regulatory clearance.
Sustainability and manufacturing details
BMW is placing sustainability at the center of the iX3 story. The company has substantially reworked materials and supply-chain processes for the model:
- The high-voltage battery pack incorporates roughly 50% secondary lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
- Recycled maritime plastics and secondary aluminum are used in multiple structural and interior components, including wheel carriers, swivel bearings and some wheel elements.
- The Debrecen plant operates without oil- or gas-fired heat and is powered by onsite photovoltaics (up to ~25% contribution) and other renewable energy sources (covering the remainder). BMW reports production carbon emissions of about 0.1 tonnes of CO2 per vehicle at that facility.
BMW also provides lifecycle comparisons: the iX3 50 xDrive is estimated to achieve a lower CO2-equivalent footprint than an equivalent internal-combustion SUV after roughly 21,500 km (13,359 miles) when charged on the current European energy mix — and after about 17,500 km (10,874 miles) when charged from renewable electricity.
Trim levels, range and pricing for the U.S.
BMW of North America plans to introduce the iX3 in two initial trims for the U.S. market:
- iX3 50 xDrive: Positioned as the range flagship, BMW estimates around 400 miles (approximately 644 km) of driving range on a full charge. U.S. starting price is listed at just under $60,000.
- iX3 40 xDrive: A more affordable option that will join the lineup later, projected to start from under $55,000 with a manufacturer-estimated range of a little over 300 miles (around 483 km).
These figures are manufacturer estimates and will be subject to official EPA ratings when the cars reach the U.S. market. Charging performance, standard features, and options packages will define practical ownership costs and real-world range.
Design, tech and market positioning
Visually, the Neue Klasse iX3 leans into BMW’s current design language but also emphasizes aerodynamic efficiency and interior tech. Expect a cabin that foregrounds digital displays and driver assistance systems — an approach some buyers may find highly technical, and others refreshingly forward-looking. The iX3 is positioned as a premium electric SUV aimed at buyers who want long range, sustainable materials and the badge recognition of BMW.
A short quote from the brand at the New York event sets the tone: "The iX3 is intended to show how electrification and sustainability can be integrated across design, production and the supply chain." That integrates BMW’s messaging around reduced lifecycle emissions and circular-materials sourcing.
What this means for BMW’s EV roadmap
The iX3's introduction also paves the way for the next-generation i3 sedan — and a wagon sibling — which will be part of BMW's broader Neue Klasse rollout. North American i3 production is slated for BMW's San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico, and that facility is also slated to handle iX3 production capacity as BMW ramps up volumes, with the automaker expecting additional production to begin around 2027.
Highlights:
- North American debut: Sept. 21, 2025, Bathhouse Studios, New York City
- Platform: Neue Klasse BEV-centric architecture
- Sustainability: 50% secondary battery materials, recycled plastics, low-carbon factory
- U.S. trims: 50 xDrive (~400 mi) and later 40 xDrive (~300+ mi)
- Pricing (U.S.): ~under $60,000 (50 xDrive); under $55,000 (40 xDrive)
Whether judged on its tech stack, materials strategy or projected range and pricing, the Neue Klasse iX3 is a key model for BMW as it moves deeper into electric SUVs. For buyers and industry watchers alike, the iX3 will be a useful benchmark for how legacy automakers translate EV engineering and sustainable manufacturing into production reality.
Source: autoevolution
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