The BMW iX3 SUV – the first of the German brand’s ‘Neue Klasse’ electric vehicles (EVs) – will be revealed in full at the Munich motor show commencing on September 8, 2025, just a day after arch-rival Mercedes-Benz pulls the covers of its all-new electric GLC with EQ Technology.

BMW has called the iX3 “one of the most significant new vehicles it its history” as it will be the first of the Neue Klasse models which the automaker has spent billions in developing. 

The Neue Klasse term is used to describe a new 800V dedicated electric vehicle architecture set to underpin a raft of new models. BMW also says that “technology clusters” debuting with this new architecture will be used by 40 new or updated BMW Group (including Mini and Rolls-Royce) vehicles to be launched by 2027.

Expected in Australian showrooms in 2026, the first iX3 prototype was revealed in November 2024 with limited information released so far. 

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BMW has said the iX3 (above) will include 400kW rapid charging and a WLTP driving range of up to 800km – almost double the current model’s 460km.

The fast-charging capability means 350km of range can be added in as little as 10 minutes. 

There won’t be a front-drive version, with the platform engineered for rear- and all-wheel drive layouts. 

A prototype dual-motor version has been shown with claimed outputs of 300kW/600Nm, a healthy gain over the existing model’s 210kW/400Nm from a single electric motor. 

Above: Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology

The Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology, a direct competitor of the iX3 and a replacement for the defunct EQC, will use the ‘MB.EA’ dedicated EV architecture, and will also be offered in rear- and all-wheel drive configurations, with outputs of up to 500kW.

It’ll also feature an 800V electrical architecture, and be offered with batteries ranging from a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) unit that’s likely to deliver a WLTP-rated range of just over 500km, to a 94.5kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery that boosts WLTP range to more than 800km.

In the first half of 2025, BMW was Australia’s fifth best-selling EV brand with 3090 deliveries – well ahead of seventh-place Mercedes-Benz with 1581 deliveries.

The BMW iX1 was its top-selling EV and Australia’s 11th most popular EV overall, ahead of the i4 electric liftback. 

The IAA Mobility Summit – aka the Munich motor show – will open to the public from September 9 to September 12, 2025. 

MORE: 2026 BMW iX3: Next-gen luxury EV to offer 800km of range

MORE: Mercedes-Benz GLC EV: New mid-size SUV gets modern twist on brand’s classic face

MORE: 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology: Prototype drive

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