2026 BMW iX3 vs. Gas BMW X3 (G45) Design, Tech, Interior, and Performance Compared

BMW has simply unveiled the primary SUV to hold its daring Neue Klasse design language, and it’s nothing just like the X3 you recognize. The all-electric BMW iX3 arrives with a futuristic look in and out, cutting-edge tech, and efficiency that parallels its gas-powered sibling. From glossy vertical headlights and hidden door handles to a panoramic inside show and next-gen battery tech, it’s a glimpse into BMW’s future. Right here’s the way it seems parked subsequent to the X3 you’ve already met.

Exterior Design

As the primary automobile from BMW embracing the brand new Neue Klasse design language, the iX3 is completely recent. Regardless of sharing a nameplate, the 2 share nearly nothing from a design perspective except for basic proportions. Whereas the iX3 is barely longer and shorter than the G45, there’s little actual distinction. Within the entrance, the iX3’s vertically-oriented headlights and grille nearly invert the design language of the G45, which favors a horizontal orientation. Round again, there’s completely no mistaking one for one more. Vertical orientation is a theme right here once more, and searching on the taillights is a right away giveaway. A very new diffusor, and lack of any exhaust ports, are two different apparent cues. From the facet, the 2 look arguably extra associated than from some other angle. Though, the iX3’s hidden door handles and lower-set headlights nonetheless make it simple to identify.

Inside Design

For those who thought the iX3 regarded totally different from the G45 BMW X3 on the surface, wait till you strap in! The cockpit options the Neue Klasse inside, full with Panoramic Imaginative and prescient show, reimagined heart display, and even much less buttons than earlier than. Supplies are decidedly extra fashionable wanting, and the general design appears much more cohesive within the iX3 than within the G45 X3. The most effective comparability to attract is the iX; it’s as if the iX spilled into the X3’s inside and out got here one thing that look decidedly higher than each. It’s arduous to inform within the press images, however new seats ought to do a whole lot of heavy lifting in the case of consolation on lengthy drives.

Efficiency

The BMW iX3 50 xDrive’s twin electrical motors produce 345 kW/469 hp and 645 Nm (475 lb-ft) of torque. That enables the electrical iX3 to speed up from zero to 62 mph (100 kmh) in 4.9 seconds. Shockingly, meaning the X3 M50, the quickest model of the gas-powered G45 BMW X3, would possibly depart the iX3 feeling a bit winded in a drag race. BMW says the identical dash takes simply 4.4 seconds for the gasser. After all, this doubtless isn’t the highest variant we’ll see from the iX3. However for now, you’ve acquired to offer the G45 props. Apparently, the iX3 touts 49:51 entrance/rear weight distribution.

Know-how

As one may think, it’s hardly a detailed race once we come to expertise. Powered by iDrive X, the Neue Klasse replace for iDrive, the iX3 can do something the G45 BMW X3 can do and extra. The Panoramic Show provides a complete new stage of customization and driver connectivity. Elsewhere, ditching the iDrive controller frees up area within the cabin. That’s to say nothing of the wild new battery expertise the iX3 touts. New Gen6 batteries provide elevated vitality density, sooner charging, and many different advantages. Then there’s the Heart of Joy {hardware} serving because the mind of the automobile and pulling all the pieces collectively. Oh, and driver help options you possibly can’t get on the G45 but, too, like Metropolis Assistant, which might account for site visitors alerts and drive accordingly.

General, the iX3 is about what we anticipated: a whole quantum leap ahead from the outdated mind-set for BMW. Its new seems and tech capabilities appear to outstrip something the G45 BMW X3 is able to. Whereas efficiency is — in the intervening time — a separate dialog, we anticipate that to alter sooner moderately than later. General? The primary Neue Klasse SUV delivers. Massive time.