BMW has accidentally given us an early look at the 2026 iX3.
Patent filings submitted by the German manufacturer have leaked online, and Dutch media outlet Autoweek was first to report these images of the all-new mid-sized luxury electric SUV.
Expected to launch in 2025, the replacement for the current iX3 will be the first SUV built on BMW’s new Neue Klasse electric vehicle (EV) platform.
Based on low-resolution greyscale images from the patent filing, the new SUV appears to remain faithful to the Vision Neue Klasse X concept that was revealed back in March.
Source: Carscoops
That means it carries the same minimalistic exterior styling including two of the German brand’s iconic design features: the double kidney grille and the Hofmeister kink.
The front-end features a tall, slim double kidney grille, complimented by lighting strips spanning the width of the vehicle.
An expansive panoramic glass roof takes the place of a regular ceiling panel. One change that’s evident from the concept is the fitment of traditional side mirrors, replacing the fin-shaped units from the concept.
Moving around to the rear, the iX3 successor is characterised by broad shoulders, sharp edges, and dual tail-light strips.
Source: Carscoops
The patent images don’t offer any insights into the interior of the new SUV, although the inside of the previously unveiled concept may hold some clues.
In true concept car style, the cabin of the Neue Klasse X ditched switches and knobs for a clutter-free, colourful dashboard finished in red and white.
A single screen dominated the centre of the dash, working in tandem with a windscreen-width 3D head-up display dubbed ‘BMW Panoramic Vision’.
The BMW iX3 successor will be one of several models built on BMW’s new dedicated EV architecture; the brand expects to launch six Neue Klasse sedans and SUVs by 2028.
Source: Carscoops
Vehicles based on the Neue Klasse platform will feature improved electric motor units, helping to deliver up to 30 per cent more range than current battery-electric BMWs.
Neue Klasse models will also charge up to 30 per cent quicker, thanks to 800V electrical architecture. BMW claims 300km of range can be achieved in 10 minutes of charging.
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