Next-Gen BMW iX3 Teased, Neue Klasse ‘Superbrains’ Detailed

BMW has published the first few images of the next-gen BMW iX3 during its recent testing in South Africa.

The next era of BMW EVs is getting closer, as the Bavarian automaker recently published images of its first Neue Klasse EV model, the next-gen BMW iX3. Spotted during its hot weather testing in South Africa, the second-gen iX3 carries many design cues from its radical concept twin, the Vision Neue Klasse X, while featuring some of BMW’s latest and greatest tech.

Despite the prototype being fully draped in a camouflage wrap, we can still spot some design bits from this upcoming EV SUV. For starters, the new iX3 seems to get the same SUV bodystyle as its concept twin, while both its headlights and taillights look like an evolution from the units primed on the Neue Klasse X concept.

With the heavy camouflage in place, we can’t be sure whether the new iX3 will get the same small kidney front grille primed on said concept, but we do get to see its large lower air intake that is flanked by a pair of rounded foglamps. One thing’s for sure, the new iX3 will look entirely different from its ICE-powered counterpart, the fourth-gen (G45) BMW X3, which is a departure from its predecessor that is based on the third-gen X3.

As the first model under BMW’s new Neue Klasse EV family, the next-gen iX3 will be primed with all the latest tech, with the biggest one being the new Gen6 platform it underpins. Although no specific details were given by BMW for now, the German automaker previously confirmed to Autocar UK that it will use an 800-volt battery architecture, allowing it to have faster charging capabilities.

More importantly, the Gen6 platform will also harbour batteries that are 20% more energy-dense than today’s packs, thus promising to boost the new iX3’s maximum EV range by up to 30% and efficiency by 20%.

Besides denser batteries, the new iX3 will also house a new generation of lighter and more efficient power units, with the platform capable of harbouring up to four electric motors as shown in the radical M3 Neue Klasse concept. However, we’d reckon the iX3 is likely to be offered with either a single- or dual-motor powertrain option, at least before a more potent M version comes later in the future.

In a separate press release, BMW has also unveiled details regarding the new ‘Superbrains’ computing system used on Neue Klasse EVs—the new iX3 included. It features four high-performance computers that form a digital nervous system for the car, which will be used for various vehicle functions. Promising to provide more than 20 times the computing power compared to the current BMW EVs, the Superbrains system is already designed to accommodate upcoming software updates, as well as AI-powered functions and experiences inside the car.

One of the Superbrains primed here is the new Heart of Joy control unit, of which we’ve already detailed in our previous report. The second one will handle the automated driving and assisted driving parts, where it promises to offer 20 times faster computing performance over the current unit.

Meanwhile, the third Superbrain is used to power the new BMW Operating System X (OSX) primed on future Neue Klasse EVs, where it is represented by the Panoramic iDrive hardware that includes the 3D head-up display (HUD), the main infotainment unit, and many more.

Last but not least, the fourth Superbrain will be used to control the car’s basic functions like vehicle access (door locks, etc.), climate and comfort controls, exterior and interior lighting controls, and many more.