BMW recently unveiled the new iX3, the first vehicle in its revolutionary Neue Klasse line, which aims to incorporate the manufacturer's core values into a new generation of electric, hybrid, and combustion-engine sedans and SUVs. The Car Guide recently tested a prototype of this SUV and attended the presentation of the first production model, the 2026 iX3 50 xDrive.

Here are five things to know about this new BMW:

With a length of 4,792 mm and a width of 1,895 mm, the BMW iX3 50 xDrive is in the same league as the Tesla Model Y in terms of size, but with a slightly higher drag coefficient of 0.24 compared to 0.22. It is powered by two electric motors, an asynchronous motor (ASM) and an electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) at the rear, which develop a combined power output of 463 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque. These sixth-generation engines reduce energy losses by 40% compared to fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. In terms of acceleration, the BMW iX3 50 xDrive can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 209 km/h.

The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is based on an 800 V electric architecture with a battery capacity of 108 kWh. According to tests conducted by BMW in accordance with EPA regulations, a range of 643 kilometres is possible. This battery has a maximum charging power of 400 kW, which is unprecedented for a vehicle sold in Canada. Under ideal conditions, this technical advantage would allow the BMW iX3 50 xDrive to charge from 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes.

While BMW has given the iX3 a conventional suspension with hydraulic assistance to provide a more natural feel for the driver compared to what an air suspension might offer, the brand has not lacked ingenuity in terms of electronic assistance.

The iX3 50 xDrive features what the brand affectionately calls the "Heart of Joy." This is a series of electronic modules that control various aspects of the vehicle's driving performance with millisecond precision. The engines, torque distribution, braking, and active chassis components are all under its control while driving and work in unison to provide the driver with a dynamic and enjoyable driving experience worthy of a BMW.

Although BMW claims to want to appeal to purists with driving dynamics in mind, the interior has not escaped digitization, offering only a few manual controls. The dashboard is dominated by a 17.9-inch parallelogram-shaped central screen, which is supported by a large panoramic projection that extends horizontally between the two A-pillars at the bottom of the windshield. Dubbed BWM Panoramic iDrive, it displays information selected by the driver in tile form.

Although intrusive in appearance, this feature allows the driver to view certain information without taking their eyes off the road. All of these displays are supported by a new assistant that responds to the command "Hey BMW" and now incorporates artificial intelligence. In terms of cargo space, the iX3 can provide up to 1,750 litres of volume with the second-row seats folded down, and 520 litres behind the rear seatbacks in normal configuration. There are also 58 bonus litres in the frunk.

The 2026 BMW iX3 50 xDrive will arrive in Canada in early summer 2026. It will be available at a starting price of approximately $80,000.