BMW has launched its new all-electric iX3 in South Africa, introducing the first production model from the German carmaker’s Neue Klasse generation.

The first variant to reach local showrooms is the all-wheel-drive BMW iX3 50 xDrive, priced at R1,690,000.

A more affordable rear-wheel-drive iX3 40 is expected to follow in the first quarter of 2027, priced at R1,498,000.

BMW builds the new iX3 at its plant in Debrecen, Hungary, on a dedicated electric-vehicle platform not shared with the company’s combustion-engine models.

BMW iX3 offers up to 805km range

The iX3 50 xDrive uses a 108.7kWh battery connected to two electric motors.

BMW claims a combined output of 345kW and 645Nm, allowing the SUV to accelerate from 0–100km/h in 4.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 210km/h.

Depending on driving conditions, its claimed range is between 679km and 805km.

The SUV supports DC fast charging at up to 400kW. BMW says this can add up to 372km of range in 10 minutes.

Charging the battery from 10% to 80% can take about 21 minutes.

New design brings more space

At 4,782mm long, the electric iX3 is slightly larger than the combustion-powered X3 built at BMW’s Rosslyn plant in South Africa.

It offers a 520-litre boot, which expands to 1,750 litres when the rear seats are folded.

An additional 58-litre storage compartment is located under the bonnet.

New technology leads Neue Klasse

The iX3 is also the first production BMW to feature the brand’s Panoramic iDrive system.

It combines a panoramic display across the windscreen with a central touchscreen, steering-wheel controls, touch inputs and voice commands.

Standard equipment on the iX3 50 xDrive includes two-zone climate control, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, comfort access, an automatic tailgate and wireless phone charging.

BMW also offers options including adaptive headlights, a panoramic sunroof, a 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and M Sport styling packages.