BMW Completes Extreme Testing of Next-Gen i3 and iX3 Electric Vehicles

BMW wraps up extreme testing of its upcoming i3 and iX3 electric vehicles. Built on the Neue Klasse platform, these EVs promise more range, faster charging, and advanced technology. Learn more.

BMW is in the final stretch before launching its highly anticipated new electric vehicles, the i3 and iX3. With testing nearing completion, the company is gearing up to showcase these models to the public later this year. The iX3 will hit the market first, followed by the i3 sedan—both built on BMW’s cutting-edge Neue Klasse platform, which features an 800V architecture for faster charging and improved efficiency.

This technological leap promises 30% more range and 30% faster charging, revolutionizing the driving experience. The platform will also enable lower production costs, which could translate into more competitive pricing. At the heart of these advancements are BMW’s new Gen6 cylindrical battery cells, which offer 20% higher energy density than the previous prismatic cells.

BMW has also introduced its groundbreaking "Heart of Joy" electronic control unit, which merges powertrain and driving dynamics into a single system. Developed entirely in-house, this ECU features four high-performance computing units, or "super brains," delivering more than 20 times the computing power of BMW’s current models.

Ahead of their official debut, both models have been put through extreme testing. The iX3 was spotted in South Africa’s scorching deserts, braving heat and sandstorms, while the i3 underwent icy road trials in Sweden, proving its resilience to harsh winter conditions.

Production of these models is set to begin at BMW’s newly established facilities. The iX3 will be built in Hungary, with additional production in Mexico starting in 2027. Meanwhile, the i3 will be manufactured at BMW’s Munich plant in Germany, with production set to begin in 2026. The company is also doubling down on sustainability, cutting CO₂ emissions in its supply chain, incorporating recyclable materials, and using low-carbon aluminum.

As demand for EVs continues to soar, BMW is clearly positioning itself for a major push in the market. Notably, the gasoline-powered X3 will remain on sale alongside the electric iX3, offering customers a range of options. Full specifications will be revealed later this year, but it’s already evident that the i3 and iX3 will be among the brand’s most technologically advanced electric vehicles to date.

Source: electrek.co