Almost no one can overlook the weight behind the name BMW Neue Klasse. Flashback to the 1960s: BMW was struggling. Its luxury cars were outdated and heavy, economy models were sluggish sellers, and even the motorcycle business was barely hanging on. It was a critical moment when the Quandt family, BMW’s major shareholders, bet on the future by pushing for the Neue Klasse to be born. The new 1500 model debuted with clean lines and innovative design features—especially the now-iconic Hofmeister kink—that completely changed BMW’s fate and laid the groundwork for its global brand success.
Fast forward to today, and BMW reviving the “Neue Klasse” name signals their confidence in the 2026 iX3 and the generation of models to come. This new platform will underpin 40 different vehicles—covering electric, hybrid, and internal combustion engines—with talk of even a supercar in the mix. This is no mere marketing hype. During a recent test drive at BMW’s Miramas track in southern France, we had the chance to experience the first iX3 prototypes, and it was clear this car means business.
At the core of the iX3 is what BMW calls the “Joy Heart.” This isn’t just the vehicle’s dynamic control brain—it’s the control center for every electronic system on board. What’s astonishing is the system’s lightning-fast response time of just one millisecond—ten to fifty times faster than traditional setups. This lightning reflex is immediately noticeable in the steering feel: the grip of each tire is calculated and distributed almost instantly, making the car feel razor-sharp and highly responsive.
Take Jack, a car enthusiast from Chicago, who took the iX3 out on a damp spring morning. Despite slick roads and lingering dew, the car held his line confidently. Even when he tried to induce a bit of oversteer or slide, the electronic control systems smoothly stepped in to keep things safe and steady. Flick it into Sport mode, and Jack found he could enjoy subtle drifts and playful handling that brought back memories of driving an old M3 back in Germany years ago.
The braking system in the iX3 is nothing short of revolutionary. Beyond three adjustable levels of energy recuperation, the “B” mode delivers what BMW calls a “one-pedal feeling,” enabled by the super-fast “Joy Heart” processor. The company claims that 99% of braking is handled by regenerative braking alone, which boosts efficiency, reduces wear on the brake pads, and delivers an incredibly smooth, luxury car-like stop. One journalist trying to replicate this with traditional mechanical brakes found it nearly impossible. Even on steep, winding downhill stretches, the car held its speed perfectly without being thrown off by differences in wheel speed.
Over in Boston, Anna, a young professional with high expectations for comfort and stability, had a different but equally impressive experience. She’d driven plenty of EVs before but often found suspensions harsh and road imperfections jarring. The iX3 features a newly designed mechanical suspension tuned to filter out the smallest vibrations without sacrificing sharp handling. Reinforced chassis rigidity combined with a sturdy battery pack means the ride is smooth and natural—even over Boston’s famously pothole-ridden streets. For Anna, it felt like comfort and confidence wrapped into one.
Powering the iX3 are front and rear electric motors delivering a combined 402 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, with motor efficiency boosted by 40%. Its default drive setting, “Personal,” adapts to the driver’s habits, adjusting steering feedback, throttle response, and display interface. From sporty bursts to quiet, efficient cruising, modes like Sport, Eco, and Silent cater to every mood. One memorable time, Anna and friends drove out to a countryside retreat in Silent mode—without artificial sound effects—and enjoyed a serene, almost meditative driving experience that was as relaxing as it was futuristic.
The iX3’s driving assistance tech also showcases BMW’s sharp thinking. The steering wheel has capacitive touch sensing, and inside the cabin, a driver monitoring camera tracks eye movement to avoid false warnings if you glance at the mirrors or instrument cluster. A nifty feature lets the driver confirm lane changes simply by looking at the corresponding mirror—no fumbling for buttons needed. Tapping the steering wheel or flipping the turn signal completes the move, reducing fatigue and boosting confidence on busy highways.
Parking, often a source of stress, becomes effortless with the iX3’s automatic parking system. It scans for spots in real time and, with just a couple of taps, slides neatly into tight spaces. Jack tested this on narrow Parisian streets and was impressed at how smoothly and quickly it managed to tuck the car in, even backing out automatically when needed.
Inside, a massive 43-inch panoramic screen dazzles with vibrant 4K resolution and a proprietary anti-glare coating that stays crisp even when wearing polarized sunglasses. The 3D heads-up display projects augmented reality navigation right onto the windshield, previewing upcoming corners in real time—a futuristic touch that proves surprisingly practical.
Running on BMW’s new Android-based operating system X, the car features a custom smart voice assistant. Anna joked that sometimes it felt like having a music-loving buddy in the car, as the assistant playfully “strummed a guitar” sound effect when adjusting volume. Technology here doesn’t feel cold or clinical—it has a bit of soul.
Despite the impressive tech stack, what matters most is whether drivers feel that pulse of pure joy behind the wheel. Whether on the test track in Miramas or on everyday streets across Europe and America, the Neue Klasse iX3 stirs excitement for what’s ahead. Official pricing and full specs will debut at this September’s Munich Motor Show—and we’re eager to see if this “Joy Heart” can truly capture the hearts of drivers worldwide.